Research Associate - School of Social Policy - 108054 - Grade 6

Position Details

School of Social Policy

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression once in post to £39,906

Grade: 6

Part Time, 0.5 FTE

Fixed Term contract up to February 2027

Closing date: 7th October 2026

Background

To assist in research by carrying out data collection and analysis to create knowledge through to create knowledge through providing research support for projects and research groups.

Role Summary

Do you have experience of evidence synthesis and an interest in its application and use in policy making contexts?

You will be joining the College of Social Sciences to support a dynamic team of senior academics in the Centre for Evidence and Implementation Science (CEIS). You will be part of a multi-disciplinary team at the forefront of methodological innovation and policy and practice change and will be based within the Evidence Synthesis Group. CEIS also encompasses: a National Institute for Health and Care Research funded Evidence Synthesis Group and a Policy and Methods Group. 

This role will involve supporting an award funded by the British Academy that is focusing on the use of evidence in policy making. It will require an understanding of evidence synthesis methods and also policy making environments. The role will involve data collection, analysis and contributing to publications and dissemination activities.

Main Duties

• Collect research data; this will primary involve documentary analysis and analysis of qualitative research
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques, and methods
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Fosters a fair and equitable workplace for all staff
• Identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant university policies and procedures
• Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity duties document

Person Specification

• Degree (or near to completion) or equivalent in relevant subject area 
• Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques, particularly in evidence synthesis
• Ability to analyse information and communicate complex information clearly
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Competency with using EPPI Reviewer and MAXQDA software
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics and duties under the Equality Act 2010. Including fostering good relations and advancing the universities Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)
• Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity knowledge, skills and experience document
   

Informal enquiries to Fiona Campbell, email: [email protected] 

View our staff values and behaviours here

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.