JOB DESCRIPTION 1. JOB TITLE: Research Assistant 2. ROLE CODE: FINRA02 3. DEPARTMENT: Centre for Public Health Research 4. ORGANISATION CHART: This role reports to the Director of CPHR. 5. JOB PURPOSE: The main purpose of this post is to support the development of a programme of research relating to childhood growth and development, particularly in relation to the early years. In addition, the post holder may be involved in commissioned research projects concerning a range of public health issues, depending on the work priorities of the Centre. Therefore, the role holder will undertake a range of research-related tasks, including, searching and reviewing literature, preparing research ethics applications, carrying out administrative tasks relating to the organisation and tracking of fieldwork, participating in the collection of quantitative and qualitative data, analysing qualitative and quantitative data and writing up the findings from research in an appropriate format and to the standards set by the Principal Investigator. 6. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Centre for Public Health Research is an ambitious and expanding department within the Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences. It is the hub for public health research at the University of Chester and is part of a growing network of public health research and education activities within the University. One of the Centre s main roles is to carry out policy-relevant health and social research, specifically in the areas of public health, primary care and social welfare. It has had considerable success over the last nine years in attracting external income for commissioned research. To complement the Centre s extensive research expertise it runs a successful postgraduate programme in Research Methods, and an MSc in Public Health. There are also opportunities to study at MPhil and PhD level. 7. WORK PERFORMED AND/OR KEY RESULT AREAS: 7.1 Communication To liaise with the Principal Investigator for each research project, and other members of the internal research team, on a regular and frequent basis.
To contribute to the project management process by planning work in line with agreed schedules and by providing feedback on progress to the Principal Investigator. To contribute to the production of research reports and publications. 7.2 Teamwork and Motivation To participate actively as a member of the research team by attending and contributing to relevant project management and CPHR team meetings. 7.3 Liaison and Networking To liaise with members of the research team and support staff on all administrative and research matters. To attend and contribute to relevant meetings, including external steering groups meetings, as agreed and necessary. 7.4 Service Delivery To undertake designated research tasks (literature searchers and reviews, data collection and inputing, data analysis, fieldwork tracking) to a high professional standard, with due regard to project deadlines, as identified in relevant project management schedules and in line with the objectives of the research project as agreed with the Principal Investigator. 7.5 Decision Making To carry out research tasks according to agreed protocols and as agreed with the Principal Investigator. To contribute to decisions affecting the progress of the project and the work of the team. To provide advice, as appropriate, to colleagues on matters affecting the research project. 7.6 Planning and Organising Resources Within the context of the agreed project management schedule, to take responsibility for planning day-to-day research activities and managing time effectively to ensure deadlines are met. To plan own work and co-ordinate it with the work of others in the team. To contribute to the planning of research projects as an active member of the research team. 7.7 Initiative and Problem Solving To use own initiative to deal with day-to-day problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives, within the context of agreed protocols, but recognising the need to liaise with the Principal Investigator for advice and guidance at times. To recognise the need to refer problems which are outside the remit of the role to the Principal Investigator. 7.8 Analysis and Research To undertake research tasks, including planning, preparing, conducting and recording quantitative and qualitative research. This could include
carrying out literature searches and compiling literature reviews, using standard techniques and protocols, carrying out surveys, including the development of questionnaires, facilitating focus groups, carrying out interviews, doing documentary analysis. To analyse, interpret and present the results of quantitative and qualitative research, using the appropriate software package (SPSS, Excel, NVivo). To present findings from research projects to steering groups and at internal seminars, as appropriate. 7.9 Sensory and Physical Demands Sensory and physical demands will mainly include light physical effort, but may vary depending on the project or working environment. For example, data collection may involve telephone interviews, face-to-face interviews and focus groups in a community setting. Good listening and other interpersonal skills will need to be used for fieldwork involving qualitative work. 7.10 Work Environment The working environment will vary depending on the nature of the work. It will include desk-based research and analysis as well as carrying out fieldwork in a variety of community and organisational locations (for example, children s centres, primary care trust offices, community halls). Travel to fieldwork sites will be necessary, for example, within the Cheshire, Halton and Warrington area, North Wales, Liverpool, and son on. 7.11 Pastoral Care and Welfare Consideration to others in the research team is an important part of the project management process. It is also important in the context of the professional code of conduct for researchers, which emphasises researchers responsibilities in relation to the ethical conduct of research, particularly in relation to research participants. 7.12 Team Development To assist in the induction of new staff if required. 7.13 Teaching and Learning Support * There may be some opportunities to contribute to teaching and learning activities in the Centre, but this is not the main purpose of the role. 7.14 Knowledge and Experience Experience of independent research, gained through Masters-level study or equivalent will be used in the course of carrying out a variety of research tasks. * Where the Research Assistant is employed on a task focused research project, it is unlikely Teaching and Learning Support will be a requirement of the role.
7.15 General To undertake any other duties commensurate with your grade, and/or hours of work, as may reasonably be required of you. To take responsibility for upholding and complying with the University s Equality and Diversity policies and for behaving in ways that are consistent with fair and equal treatment for all. To comply with all University Health and Safety policies.
PERSON SPECIFICATION Job Title & Department: Research Assistant in the Centre for Public Health Research Criteria Qualifications: First or upper second class honours degree in a health or social science undergraduate degree Masters degree in a health science or social science discipline OR Desirable Method of identification (i.e. application form, interview, test) Selection Panel use this section to match your skills and abilities to the criteria outlined Application form Application form Proven Experience: Experience of working in a research environment Desirable interview Knowledge, skills and abilities: Knowledge of the health policy context as it relates to child growth and development Knowledge of the research process as it relates to quantitative and qualitative research Ability to use Excel and/or SPSS to manage, analyse and present quantitative data Ability to collect, manage and analyse qualitative data Strong writing skills Ability to work under pressure, to deadlines, and with attention to detail Other Attributes: Full driving license and willing to travel to different fieldwork sites Desirable Desirable Application Form Requirements are those, without which, a candidate would not be able to do the job. Applicants who have not clearly demonstrated in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be rejected at the shortlisting stage. Desirable Requirements are those that would be useful for the post holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements.
TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CENTRE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH RESEARCH ASSISTANT (22.5 hours per week) FIXED TERM CONTRACT UNTIL 31/09/2011 SALARY SCALE University Scale OS 5, point 15, 19,089 per annum (pro-rata). HOURS OF WORK 22.5 hours per week to be worked as follows: Monday Wednesday 9:00am 5:30pm (less one hour lunch break each day) CRB CHECKS The successful applicant will have to undergo a CRB check before an appointment can be made. MEDICAL EXAMINATION Successful candidates will be required to complete an Occupational Health questionnaire, and may be required to undergo a medical examination. ESSENTIAL CERTIFICATES Short-listed candidates will be asked to bring to interview, proof of qualifications as outlined on the Job Description and Person Specification provided. Upon appointment, copies of essential certificates will be required by HRM Services. PENSION SCHEME The University is an admitted body to the Cheshire County Council local government pension scheme. All support staff are eligible for membership of the scheme, and upon appointment, will be asked to indicate whether or not they wish to join the scheme. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES The University has a policy of equal opportunity aimed at treating all applicants for employment fairly. SMOKING POLICY The University operates a No-Smoking policy. PROBATIONARY PERIOD A nine months' probationary period applies to all University posts. CLOSING DATE Completed application forms should be returned to HRM Services, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ, no later than Tuesday 15 th September 2009 at 12 noon quoting reference number HRMS/08201.