Research Fellow

Hours: Part Time (15 hours per week)

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to March 2026 

Background

The School of Social Policy at the University of Birmingham is pleased to offer a Part-Time Research Fellow post funded through the NIHR DEMCOMM Fellowship Programme. This post supports a motivated qualitative researcher to contribute to dementia-related research, specifically focusing on the care and lived experiences of people living with dementia in community settings. The DEMCOMM programme aims to develop the evidence base and build capacity for dementia research in England. The post-holder will be supervised by Professor Robin Miller and supported by Dr Chris Poyner, a DEMCOMM Fellow, with remote working as standard and access to on-campus resources.

Role Summary

• Work within the NIHR DEMCOMM research programme and contribute to qualitative research activities
• Support the co-development of a web-based platform to personalise domiciliary care for people with dementia
• Assist in the delivery of other study work packages and potentially other dementia-focused projects
• Contribute to writing of journal articles and conference presentations
• Operate within area of specialism and collaborate with a wider interdisciplinary research team
• Participate in wider networks, including the Adult Social Care Cluster and DEMCOMM programme events

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals under supervision
• Conduct qualitative data collection, including semi-structured interviews and/or focus groups
• Analyse and interpret qualitative data using appropriate methods (e.g. thematic analysis)
• Use qualitative software (such as NVivo) to manage and code data
• Apply knowledge in a way that develops new understanding of dementia care delivery
• Support co-design activities with stakeholders in community-based dementia care
• Contribute to drafting academic publications and outputs for research dissemination
• Present research outputs, including at conferences (funding available for one presentation)
• Contribute to the development of new research methods and approaches
• Undertake management/administrative tasks related to research activities
• Liaise and coordinate with the DEMCOMM research team and external collaborators
• Participate in research-related meetings, seminars, and public engagement activities
• Promote equality and value diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

• A Master’s degree in social research or a related discipline (or nearing completion of PhD)
• Demonstrable experience of qualitative research methods, including conducting interviews and/or focus groups
• Understanding of dementia and a commitment to improving the lived experience of people with dementia
• Familiarity with qualitative analytic techniques (e.g. thematic or framework analysis)
• Experience using NVivo or similar qualitative data analysis software (desirable)
• Competence in using Microsoft Office and Outlook
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively
• High-level analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team
• Willingness and ability to work remotely, with access to hot-desking on campus if preferred
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 and ability to ensure inclusive practice

Informal enquiries can be made to Chris Poyner, email: c.poyner@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

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