Job summary
THIS POST IS FIXED TERM UNTIL 31-03-2027 DUE TO FUNDING
Individuals who hold permanent (substantive) employment within the NHS may only be appointed via secondment. Approval for a secondment must be obtained from your current line manager prior to submitting an application.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Research and Evaluation Division in Public Health Wales as a Public Health Research Officer. The role sits within the WHO Collaborating Centre for Digital Health Equity, where you will contribute to the development of the WHO Europe Assessment Toolkit for Equity in Digital Health.
You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team, with day-to-day management from a Senior Public Health Researcher and professional guidance and oversight from the Public Health Evaluation Lead (Digital Health). You will contribute to evidence synthesis and project activities that inform the design and implementation of the assessment toolkit. This will include literature reviews, data collection and analysis, stakeholder engagement, and the production of reports and presentations. You will also support collaboration with a range of partners, helping to advance equitable digital health policy and practice.
Main duties of the job
This is an opportunity for someone with experience of contributing to applied public health, health services or policy-related research projects and evidence reviews, who is organised, proactive and able to communicate research and evidence clearly. You will work autonomously on defined activities, with access to advice and guidance when required, while contributing to a collaborative and dynamic project environment.
Educated to degree level in health, social, geographical or science related subject, or an equivalent level of experience.
Experience of undertaking research, including evidence reviews, with the ability to identify, appraise, synthesise and summarise evidence.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate research methods, data and evidence clearly.
Strong organisational and project-support skills, including experience of organising meetings, workshops or stakeholder engagement activities and delivering outputs to agreed deadlines.
Ability to work proactively and independently, using initiative and good judgement while also working effectively as part of a team.
Your responsibilities will include undertaking evidence reviews and contributing the collection and analysis of quantitative and/or qualitative data. You will also contribute to the production of reports, presentations and other project outputs fora range of specialist and non-specialist audiences.
About us
We are Public Health Wales - the national public health agency in Wales. Our purpose is 'Working together for a healthier Wales'. We exist to help everyone in Wales live longer, healthier, happier lives. Together with our partners, we work to increase healthy life expectancy, improve health and well-being, and reduce inequalities for everyone in Wales, now and for future generations.
Our teams work to prevent disease, protect health, and provide leadership, specialist services and public health expertise. We are the leading source of public health information, research and innovation in Wales. In a world facing complex health challenges, our work has never been so important.
We are guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace that values equality and diversity. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and are supportive of flexible working arrangements, including part time roles and job sharing.
To find out more about working for us and the benefits we offer please visit https://phw.nhs.wales/careers/
For guidance on the application process, please visithttps://phw.nhs.wales/working-for-us/applicant-information-and-guidance/
Job description
Job responsibilities
To succeed in this role, you will have a good understanding of research methods relevant to public health, including research ethics and governance principles, and be able to apply this knowledge to your work. You will be expected to manage competing priorities and maintain high standards of accuracy and quality across project activities.
An important part of the role will be facilitating collaboration and engagement with project partners. You will help coordinate meetings, workshops and stakeholder engagement activities, liaise with colleagues and external partners, and ensure that actions are recorded and followed up. Although not essential, experience of using digital environments such as SharePoint to organise and maintain project documentation would be desirable, as you will be required to keep track of project impacts, stakeholders, timelines, ongoing engagement activities and deliverables.
The ideal candidate will be proactive, adaptable and confident in using their initiative and problem-solving skills, while recognising when to seek advice and guidance. We would particularly welcome candidates with an interest in digital health and equity, and those who have experience of working with external organisations or research partners.
This is an opportunity to apply and develop your research skills while contributing to work that aims to make digital health more equitable. You will work with colleagues and partners across an international programme, gaining experience in evidence synthesis, data analysis and collaborative working with a range of stakeholders.
You will be able to find the full Job Description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome.
If you would like to discuss the role, please do not hesitate to contact: Dr Diana Bright, Public Health Evaluation Lead (Digital Health) Diana.Bright@wales.nhs.uk
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level in health, social, geographical or science related subject, or an equivalent level of experience
Desirable
- Masters level qualification
Experience
Essential
- Experience of undertaking research, including evidence reviews.
- A proven track- record in delivering outputs within agreed deadlines.
- Management of information stored electronically.
- Experience organising meetings, workshops or stakeholder engagement activities in person and online.
Desirable
- Experience of the NHS Research & Development processes
Skills
Essential
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills particularly in relation to data and evidence.
- Influencing and negotiation skills.
- Skills in communicating complex technical methodology and research outcomes to non-specialist audiences.
- Competence in the use of software to support evidence reviews, data analysis, stakeholder engagement and project delivery (e.g., Mendeley or EndNote, Rayyan, Miro board, Microsoft Project, Planner and Teams).
- Experience in managing data, data cleansing and quality assurance.
Desirable
- Good information management skills.
Other
Essential
- Ability to travel to meetings and events across Wales and occasionally beyond where required.
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of research methods relevant to public health, including evidence synthesis.
- Understanding of research ethics and governance principles.
Desirable
- Clear understanding of digital health and/or equity.
Personal Attributes
Essential
- Must be able to multitask and work pro-actively.
- Able to work under pressure.
- Flexibility in working arrangements.
- Work with and relate to highly specialist professionals and members of the public.
- Must be able to demonstrate integrity and good judgement.
Desirable
- Experience of dealing with outside agencies for research purposes at national and international level
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
Public Health Wales
Address
2 Capital Quarter
Tyndall Street
Cardiff
CF10 4BZ
United Kingdom
Employer's website
Public Health Research Officer in Cardiff employer: Public Health Wales
Public Health Wales is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. With a strong focus on public health initiatives, employees have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that make a real difference in the community. The collaborative culture fosters growth and innovation, making it an ideal place for those looking to advance their careers while positively impacting public health.
