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 employer: Queens University
Queen's University Belfast is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment that prioritises community engagement and research excellence. As part of the Queen's Communities and Place (QCAP) initiative, employees benefit from meaningful partnerships with local communities, ample opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to social equity, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Belfast. Join us in making a tangible impact on community health and wellbeing while advancing your career in a supportive and dynamic academic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Fellow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the community health and wellbeing space. Attend local events, workshops, or seminars where you can meet potential colleagues and collaborators. Remember, it’s all about building relationships!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website that highlights your research projects, publications, and any community engagement work you've done. This will give you an edge when chatting with potential employers or collaborators.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to organisations or researchers you admire and express your interest in collaborating or contributing to their projects. You never know what opportunities might arise from a simple conversation.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from our site. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the community-centric approach we value at QCAP. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Fellow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant research experience in community health and wellbeing. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on sharing specific projects or methodologies you've worked on!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see how you meet the criteria.
Connect with Our Mission:Demonstrate your commitment to community engagement and collaboration. We’re all about working authentically with local communities, so share any experiences that reflect this ethos in your application.
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. This will help us see that you’re a great fit for the role.
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 successes. 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 impact of your work. This is your chance to demonstrate your expertise and growing reputation in the field.
✨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.
