At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful research in health and social care, collaborating with diverse partners.
- Company: Durham University, a leader in interdisciplinary research and education.
- Benefits: Mentoring, supportive environment, and opportunities for grant funding.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with a focus on collaboration and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while advancing your research career.
- Qualifications: Established networks in health and social care; strong research leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 37338 - 44962 £ per year.
The role will be a part of the Department of Sociology, which was established in 1964 initially as a Department of Social Theory and Institutions. The Department delivers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Sociology, Criminology and Social Work and supports the delivery of a faculty research methods programme as part of the collaborative NINEDTP.
The Department's research strategy is built around five themes:
- Communities and Social Justice
- Health and Social Theory
- Higher Education and Social Inequality
- Violence and Abuse
- Criminal Justice, Social Harm and Inequalities
The post holder will also be a key member of a university-wide research institute focused on encouraging and supporting high calibre interdisciplinary research to understand and address human health challenges.
The post holder will affiliate with one of the ARC research themes, establish inclusive communities of practice, and lead programmes of research across the North East and North Cumbria and nationally, in line with the strategic aims of the theme. The five themes across the ARC are:
- Prevention including multiple long-term conditions
- Addressing inequity in health and care systems
- Supporting children, women, and family health
- Workforce Inclusion and Innovation for Impact
- Care Improvement and Safety
The research opportunity at Durham University is aligned to the theme: Prevention including multiple long-term conditions. Please indicate up to two secondary themes you would like to align your application to. All candidates will be expected to work in partnership across themes.
We are also looking for candidates who wish to express an interest in leading research aligned to Research Inclusion. The successful applicant will be expected to have existing and well-established networks with a range of health, social care and community-based collaborators, including across other NIHR infrastructures.
They will develop their own specialist research leadership while working in a pro-active and collaborative way to deliver work addressing critical national and regional priorities. They will be adaptive and responsive to emerging system needs, benefitting from the outstanding mentoring and supportive environment to secure additional grant funding over the 4-year period of the role.
The role holder will be required to spend 50% of their time working responsively with health and social care partners to design and deliver programmes of work. As part of our commitment to grow our applied research community and promote a supportive research culture, the role holder will be required to spend at least two days per week in person in the university or at relevant ARC events.
Assistant Professor (Research), Department of Sociology in North East employer: Durham University
Durham University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in research. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the university provides outstanding mentoring and opportunities for securing additional grant funding, making it an ideal environment for those passionate about addressing critical health and social challenges. Located in the North East, the university's focus on interdisciplinary research and community engagement ensures that employees can make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive and dynamic workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Professor (Research), Department of Sociology in North East
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Durham University.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Durham University!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Durham University, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Durham University or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Professor (Research), Department of Sociology in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Durham University:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Durham University! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
