At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the design of a new centre for implementing evidence in adult social care.
- Company: University of Birmingham, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a commitment to equality.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in innovative projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in social care while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in applied research.
The predicted salary is between 36636 - 46049 £ per year.
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822
Grade: 7
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to December 2027
Closing date: 8th July 2026
Background
To support the design of a new ESRC/Health Foundation UK centre for implementing evidence in adult social care (‘IMPACT’). The new centre will begin with a co-design phase (April – December 2021), during which it will be consulting on the needs of the sector, agreeing key priorities and designing subsequent delivery. There is the significant potential for this role to become a permanent feature of IMPACT throughout its 6.5 year funding (subject to the model agreed during co-design).
Role Summary
- Work as part of a team to support IMPACT’s co-design phase
- Administer and analyse a national survey to support the design of IMPACT’s work
- Contribute to early engagement and relationship building
- Contribute to the generation of IMPACT’s theory of change
- Supporting IMPACT’s Director and the Lived Experience Engagement Lead during the initial design of the centre
Main Duties
- Supporting IMPACT’s co-design phase
- Administering/analysing a national survey to understand the needs and priorities of the sector
- Contributing to IMPACT’s stakeholder engagement, the development of its theory of change and its engagement with people with lived experience of receiving adult social care
- Contributing to background literature reviews, design meetings and external events
- Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
- Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
- Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
- Undertaking management/administration arising from the project
- Drafting policy and practice briefs
- Contributing to Departmental/School research-related activities and seminars
- Dealing with problems that may affect the achievement of centre objectives and deadlines
- Promoting equality and valuing diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture
Person Specification
Essential:- First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
- Experience of undertaking applied research in social care or health settings
- High level analytical capability
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly
- Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
- Contributing to the planning and organising of the centre
- Working independently as well as part of a team
- Co-ordinating own work with others to ensure effective team-working
- A commitment to co-production and engagement
- A commitment to valuing the lived experience of people who use services and the practical knowledge of front-line staff
- Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
- PhD (or near to completion) in a relevant area and discipline (or near to completion), or equivalent qualifications
- Experience of working with social care leaders, commissioners, providers and/or front-line staff
- Experience of research which influences policy, practice and people’s lives
- Experience of research which engages people with lived experience and their carers
- Recognition of the very different policy and practice contexts in different parts of the UK
Informal enquiries to Sheena Robertson, email: s.a.robertson@bham.ac.uk
We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.
Research Fellow (IMPACT Project Officer) - College of Social Sciences - 97023 - Grade 7 in Birmingham employer: The University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values diversity and inclusion, as evidenced by its numerous accreditations such as Athena SWAN and Disability Confident. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to contribute to impactful research in social care, all within the dynamic environment of Edgbaston, Birmingham. With a commitment to sustainability and a focus on co-production and engagement, the university fosters a supportive atmosphere where innovative ideas can thrive.
Contact Details:
The University of Birmingham Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow (IMPACT Project Officer) - College of Social Sciences - 97023 - Grade 7 in Birmingham
✨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 The University of Birmingham.
✨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 The University of Birmingham!
✨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 The University of Birmingham, 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 The University of Birmingham 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 Research Fellow (IMPACT Project Officer) - College of Social Sciences - 97023 - Grade 7 in Birmingham
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 The University of Birmingham:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The University of Birmingham! 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 The University of Birmingham
✨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.
