At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community-focused research on health and wellbeing, engaging directly with local communities.
- Company: Queen's University Belfast, committed to meaningful partnerships with local communities.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real impact, flexible working hours, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to equitable research and community wellbeing.
- Why this job: Shape community health strategies and contribute to positive change in Belfast.
- Qualifications: PhD in social sciences, strong research experience, and community engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
This post will be based in Queen's Communities and Place (QCAP), a multidisciplinary engaged research unit that works with communities across Belfast. QCAP was established in 2021 as a direct expression of Queen's University Belfast's civic mission, recognising the responsibility to work in meaningful, authentic partnership with local communities. It was founded on the belief that genuine, co-produced collaboration rooted in the real needs of local people could generate better outcomes for communities, better research, and a more equitable relationship between the University and surrounding communities.
We are a team of over 20 researchers and support staff working on diverse research projects gathering an evidence base along three main interlinking disciplines: Community Health and Wellbeing, Education, Skills and Inclusive Innovation, and the Social Economy and Community Wealth Building. This post will lead research activities across the Community Health and Wellbeing Dimension within the QCAP initiative, ensuring successful delivery of the QCAP research, evaluation, and knowledge exchange programme.
This role will focus on developing and implementing community-centric research methodologies that contribute to the implementation of a co-produced health and wellbeing strategy within the community. This role will be based on campus but would have significant in-person engagement with communities, requiring flexibility around location and hours of work as the engagements will be dictated by community need.
About the person:
- An upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) or a Masters degree in a social science discipline.
- PhD in a relevant subject.
- Significant, recent relevant research experience working on a project that relates to community health and wellbeing.
- Experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis, particularly in the context of evaluating health and wellbeing programmes.
- Expertise in the key issues and challenges associated with engagement with communities for research studies.
- Demonstrable growing reputation in research within community health and wellbeing.
- Proven ability to devise, advise on and manage research programmes effectively on time and target.
- Experience of communicating research to lay audiences.
- Track record in securing and managing research funding.
- Publication record in health, wellbeing or research relevant to communities, commensurate with stage of career.
- Commitment to serving the community and promoting equality and inclusion with the ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures and/or perspectives.
To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information document on our website.
Senior Research Fellow in Newtownabbey employer: Queens University
Queen's University Belfast is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises community engagement and research excellence. As part of the Queen's Communities and Place (QCAP) initiative, employees benefit from meaningful opportunities to contribute to community health and wellbeing while enjoying professional growth through diverse research projects. Located in Belfast, the university offers a vibrant environment where staff can thrive both personally and professionally, making a significant impact on local communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Fellow in Newtownabbey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the community and academia. Attend local events, workshops, or seminars related to community health and wellbeing. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your research projects, publications, and any community engagement work you've done. This will help you stand out when chatting with potential employers or collaborators.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and open-minded! The role requires significant engagement with communities, so be ready to adapt your schedule and approach based on their needs. This shows your commitment and willingness to collaborate effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so make sure you submit it directly on our platform. It’s the best way to ensure we get all your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Fellow in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for community health and wellbeing shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the communities around Belfast!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant research experience clearly. Use examples that demonstrate your skills in both quantitative and qualitative data analysis, especially in evaluating health and wellbeing programmes. We love details!
Connect with Our Mission:Familiarise yourself with Queen's Communities and Place (QCAP) and its goals. Show us how your values align with our commitment to co-produced collaboration and community engagement. This connection is key!
Follow the Guidelines:Don’t forget to check the Candidate Information document on our website! Make sure you address all the essential and desirable criteria listed there. It’s your chance to shine, so make it count!
How to prepare for a job interview at Queens University
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, dive deep into the communities you'll be working with. Understand their needs, challenges, and strengths. This will not only show your commitment but also help you discuss how your research can genuinely benefit them.
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Be ready to talk about your previous research projects, especially those related to community health and wellbeing. Highlight specific methodologies you've used and the outcomes achieved. This will demonstrate your expertise and ability to manage research programmes effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll need to communicate research to lay audiences, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Use examples from your past work to illustrate how you've successfully engaged with diverse groups and made your findings accessible.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role is all about partnership and co-production. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked collaboratively in the past, particularly with communities or interdisciplinary teams. Show that you value diverse perspectives and are committed to promoting equality and inclusion.
