At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a multidisciplinary team to conduct impactful research on psychological therapy for adults with disabilities.
- Company: University of Birmingham, a leader in social sciences and inclusive practices.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, part-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through innovative research.
- Qualifications: Degree in psychology or related field; experience with individuals with disabilities preferred.
The predicted salary is between 33002 - 35608 £ per year.
Position Details
Health Services Management Centre, School of Social Policy and Society, College of Social Sciences. University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK. Full time salaried range £33,002 – £35,608; potential progression to £39,906. Grade 6. Part time, 0.5 FTE (18.75 hours per week). Fixed‑term contract until March 2027. Closing date 6 July.
Job Description
Research Associate on a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment funded clinical trial testing the effectiveness of group‑based psychological therapy for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who have a history of engaging in harmful sexual behaviour. The role is based in the Intellectual Disabilities Research Institute (IDRIS) in the School of Social Policy and Society. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team across the United Kingdom, including staff from Norwich Clinical Trials Unit, the University of Kent at Canterbury, and the University of Birmingham. Travel across all nations of the United Kingdom is required.
Role Summary
- Work within specified research grants and/or projects
- Operate within area of specialism
- Contribute to publications
Main Duties
- Work as a Research Associate on a NIHR‑funded clinical trial – a randomised controlled trial of group therapy (HaSB‑IDD) for men with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and harmful sexual behaviour.
- Contribute to the analysis and capture of research data, including the preparation of reports and publications.
- Interview men with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who have a history of harmful sexual behaviour in various settings (community or psychiatric hospital).
- Deal with problems that may affect the timely achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
- Carry out administrative tasks directly related to the delivery of the research.
- Promote equality and value diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
Person Specification
- Undergraduate degree in psychology or a related subject area.
- Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively with individuals who have difficulties with communication.
- Ability to access and organise resources successfully.
- Experience of working with autistic children and adults and children and adults with intellectual disabilities and their carers.
- Knowledge and experience of the research provisions within the Mental Capacity Act 2005; experience of working with individuals judged to lack capacity to make decisions about participation in research.
- Experience of working on funded research studies and experience of both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
DBS Required
The University is committed to safeguarding and promotes safe recruitment practice. All associated pre‑employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Due to the nature of the work, all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory DBS clearance prior to appointment.
Use of AI in Applications
We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.
Informal enquiries to Peter Langdon, email: p.langdon@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. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/about/equality/diversity
Research Associate - School of Social Policy and Society - 104677 - Grade 6 in Birmingham employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and promotes equality. As a Research Associate within the School of Social Policy and Society, you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful research while benefiting from professional development and progression opportunities. Located in Edgbaston, Birmingham, the university fosters a collaborative environment with access to multidisciplinary teams across the UK, ensuring a rewarding experience for all staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate - School of Social Policy and Society - 104677 - Grade 6 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 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 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 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 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 Associate - School of Social Policy and Society - 104677 - Grade 6 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 University of Birmingham:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to 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 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.
