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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape impactful research to improve health and reduce inequalities in Oxfordshire.
- Company: Dynamic team at Oxfordshire County Council dedicated to positive change.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous holiday allowance, and excellent learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities through evidence-based research.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience in public health or social sciences.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with strong support for diverse backgrounds and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us
The research team is a dynamic and collaborative group dedicated to driving positive change through high-quality research and evidence-based practice. Comprising individuals with a diverse range of professional backgrounds and expertise, the team works closely with colleagues across the council and our wider partners to deliver impactful projects that inform policy, improve services, and support the wellbeing of our communities. We foster a culture of curiosity, continuous learning, and integrity, ensuring our work not only meets the highest standards but also reflects our organisational values in every aspect.
About the Role
- Play a pivotal role in shaping research that improves health and reduces inequalities across Oxfordshire.
- Support the delivery of policy-relevant research that matters to residents, helping implement the Council's research strategy.
- Foster a culture of research within the Council, ensuring officers and councillors understand the value of research.
- Contribute to regional and national public health research capacity through the NIHR RSS Specialist Centre for Public Health and the Local Authority Research Practitioner (LARP) network.
- Collaborate with local universities, NHS partners, and community organisations to expand research networks and drive innovation.
- Promote evidence-based decision-making, support research funding applications, and help embed research into council operations.
About you
- Postgraduate qualification (preferably in public health, social sciences, or a related field) or equivalent experience in applied health research.
- Strong understanding of the UK public health research landscape, with hands-on experience conducting research and supporting others.
- Knowledge of study designs, methodologies, information governance, and ethics in research.
- Experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methods, and familiarity with statistical and reference management software.
- Excellent communication, analytical, and team-working skills.
Rewards and Benefits
It really is true that every single job role here contributes to bettering the lives of the people in our county - we want to do this for our employees too. We are proud of our strong flexible working culture, including the opportunity for flexibility on working hours and the use of technology to support agile working. We offer some of the very best learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development. We have a generous holiday allowance which rises as you remain in employment with us up to 33 days, as well as the option to buy additional holiday. You will also have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions of up to 19.9% of your salary; a range of local and national retail discounts; and a host of enhanced family friendly policies including carers leave and paid time off for volunteering.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.
Guaranteed Interview Schemes
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.
Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.
Flexible Working
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, full-time and part-time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.
If you encounter any issues with the application system, please contact: researchteam@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Local Authority Research Practitioner employer: Oxfordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Oxfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Authority Research Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the public health sector, especially those connected to Oxfordshire County Council. Attend local events or webinars to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the research landscape.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your research projects, methodologies, and outcomes. This will help you demonstrate your hands-on experience and understanding of both quantitative and qualitative methods during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your communication skills. Focus on articulating how your research can drive policy change and improve community wellbeing, which is key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our dynamic team at Oxfordshire County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Local Authority Research Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Research: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for research shine through! We want to see how your background and experiences align with our mission to drive positive change in public health.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. We love seeing how you can contribute to our dynamic team and the impactful projects we work on.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your key points stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxfordshire County Council
✨Know Your Research Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and methodologies in public health research. Familiarise yourself with both quantitative and qualitative methods, as well as any relevant software. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but someone who genuinely understands the field.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss your experience in teamwork and collaboration. Think of specific examples where you've successfully partnered with others to drive research projects or initiatives.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication skills are key for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a brief presentation on a past project to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information effectively.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Values
The council values integrity and curiosity, so be prepared to discuss how these values resonate with you. Share experiences that highlight your commitment to ethical research practices and your passion for making a positive impact in the community.
