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- Tasks: Assist in groundbreaking research for children with profound learning disabilities and deliver training.
- Company: Join the University of Sheffield, a diverse and supportive community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Access to mentoring, staff networks, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in psychology or related field; experience with communication needs is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 45000 £ per year.
Join the University of Sheffield as a Research Assistant – INTERACT Trial.
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work, with a diverse community of staff and students. We offer a fantastic range of benefits, including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement, a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, and a commitment to your development and wellbeing.
Job Overview
We are seeking a Research Assistant to join our study funded by the National Institute of Health Research. The research study is evaluating an interaction and communication approach called Intensive Interaction for children and young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities.
The successful candidate will work with Professor Clegg and the wider research team to deliver the Intensive Interaction training and supervise trainees as they deliver the Intensive Interaction to children and young people with PMLD.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Work with Professor Clegg and the wider research team to deliver the University of Sheffield component of this NIHR research study.
- Develop and maintain a strong working relationship with the wider research team.
- Contribute to the implementation, delivery, and on-going evaluation of the Intensive Interaction training to professionals, practitioners, and family carers of children and young people with PMLD.
- Design and implement online, asynchronous training materials.
- Contribute to data collection using quantitative and qualitative methods.
- Collate, input, and organise data into data analysis software.
- Contribute to reports, presentations, conference abstracts, and journal articles (with support).
- Read academic papers, journals, books, and professional literature to develop current knowledge in this field.
- Contribute to the academic life of the School of Allied Health Professions, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Midwifery.
- Make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
Person Specification
A good honours degree in psychology, speech and language therapy, health, education, or related discipline is essential. Experience of and/or interest in Intensive Interaction and working with children and young people with significant communication needs and/or profound/severe multiple learning disabilities and their family carers is also essential.
Desirable qualifications include an internationally recognised qualification in speech and language therapy and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), as well as a MSc or be in the process of submitting for a MSc in psychology, speech and language therapy, health, education, or related discipline.
What We Offer
- A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out, and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support, and personal development.
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development – access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
- A range of generous family-friendly policies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job, you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right.
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Research Assistant - INTERACT Trial employer: The University of Sheffield
Contact Detail:
The University of Sheffield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant - INTERACT Trial
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Sheffield on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the team and the role, plus it shows your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the INTERACT Trial. Familiarise yourself with the research methods and outcomes. We want to see that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about what you’ll be working on.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills in communication and training during the interview. Think of examples where you've successfully taught or supported others, especially in challenging situations. This is key for the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who follow the process closely.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant - INTERACT Trial
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Research Assistant. We want to see how you can contribute to the INTERACT Trial, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant background!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people with profound learning disabilities shine through. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about the work we do, so share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered in the selection process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Sheffield
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the principles of Intensive Interaction and how it applies to children with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Familiarise yourself with recent studies and literature in this area, as it will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have, whether it's working with children with communication needs or developing training materials. Use specific examples to illustrate your skills and how they align with the responsibilities of the Research Assistant position.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the research study, the team dynamics, or the training process. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in this role, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team. Share examples of how you've built relationships with colleagues or contributed to group projects, highlighting your ability to support and supervise others effectively.