At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research on intellectual disabilities and coordinate impactful trials.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham's dynamic School of Social Policy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on equality, diversity, and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Qualifications: PhD or near completion, with extensive research experience in relevant fields.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 56535 £ per year.
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £47,389 to £56,535 with potential progression once in post to £63,606.
Grade: 8
Part Time 0.5FTE (18.75 hours per week)
Fixed Term contract up to February 2030
Closing date: 6th September 2026
The post is situated in the Intellectual Disabilities Research Institute (IDRIS) in the School of Social Policy and Society. IDRIS is an applied cross-University research institute established in October 2024. IDRIS works in close co-productive relationships with people with intellectual disabilities, family carers, and disability advocacy and professional organisations. IDRIS’s research and policy/practice impact is across the lifespan and across sectors (education, health, social care).
The successful applicant will be employed to work on the BEAMS trial which is a multicentre two-arm parallel randomised controlled trial that seeks to assess the clinical and cost-effectiveness of an adapted psychological therapy for people with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities who have anxiety disorders.
Role Summary
- Plan, design and help co-ordinate the BEAMS-ID Trial in collaboration with Cardiff CTR and our Trial Manager
- Initiate and conduct original research which has measurable outcomes
- Contribute to the development of research and participant recruitment strategies
- Publish results of own research
- Supervise PhD students and research associates
- Capture data from participants and their families
- Contribute to the Department/School through management/leadership
- Develop and make substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, public engagement activities, widening participation, schools outreach or similar activities at Department/School level or further within the University
Main Duties
- To plan and carry out research, using appropriate methodology and techniques
- Pursue personal research including developing research ideas and winning support
- Plan, publish and/or execute high quality research
- Project manage research activities, and/or supervise other research staff
- Present high quality findings in publications and conference proceedings
- Develop novel methodologies and techniques appropriate to the type of research being pursued
- Supervise and examine PhD students, supervise research associates working on the trial
- Work collaboratively with our trial statistician and health economist and undertake data analyses
- Help drive participant recruitment and data capture
- Provide expert advice to colleagues and students within discipline
- Deal with problems that may affect research objectives and deadlines
- Contribute to the administration/management of research across the Department/School
- Actively manage equality, diversity and inclusion through monitoring and evaluation
Person Specification
- A PhD relevant to the research area (or near completion), or equivalent PhD-level qualifications
- Extensive research experience and scholarship within subject specialism
- Practice-based experience of working with people with intellectual disabilities and their families
- Experience and achievement reflected in a growing reputation
- Extensive experience and demonstrated success in planning, undertaking research, and project management
- Experience of utilising the Mental Capacity Act, 2005, within research
- Extensive experience of applying and/or developing successful models, techniques and methods
- Knowledge of missing data analysis using multiple imputation
- Experience and/or knowledge of health economics analyses within clinical trials
- Experience in training staff to work with project protocols including data collection
- Ability to identify issues with the potential to impact on protected groups and take appropriate action
Informal enquiries to Peter Langdon, email: p.langdon@bham.ac.uk
Research Fellow - School of Social Policy - 107812 - Grade 8 in Birmingham employer: The University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working hours, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to quality service, staff are empowered to thrive in a supportive environment while contributing to the university's mission of excellence.
Contact Details:
The University of Birmingham Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow - School of Social Policy - 107812 - Grade 8 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.
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow - School of Social Policy - 107812 - Grade 8 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
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✨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.
