At a Glance
- Tasks: Collect and analyse data on carer harm in families affected by mental illness.
- Company: University of Birmingham, a diverse and inclusive institution.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Part-time role with a focus on collaboration and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in understanding family dynamics and support systems.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in qualitative research.
The predicted salary is between 33002 - 35608 £ per year.
Position Details
School of Social Policy and Society
University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression once in post to £39,906
Grade: 6
Part Time, 0.4 FTE (15 hours per week)
Fixed Term contract up to July 2027
Closing date: 27th August 2026
Background
Family members often play a critical role in supporting people with serious mental illness by sustaining hope and offering a sense of belonging and connection. Those outside the family do not always understand the complexities of sustaining family relationships at these times, nor the sometimes unintended harms that families can experience. ‘Carer harm’ takes place when a family carer experiences physical, psychological or sexual violence or abuse by the person for whom they care and the reasons for these harms are often multi‑faced and unintentional. Yet, affected family members face ethical and practical challenges recognising and making sense of the harm they experience, which can in turn affect their ability to seek informal and formal support.
This post is for a research associate to work on a new study Carer harm in the context of families affected by serious mental illness funded by the School for Social Care Research. The study works closely with carer co‑researchers and seeks to explore the nature of carer harm in the context of mental illness. It aims to inform future research, improving understanding and outcomes for families and to improve social work/care practice.
This post would be well suited to someone who has experience of applied social and/or health research (including specialist interests around social work, social care and mental health research). The research associate will be offered project‑related supervision and support as well as mentorship relating to their ongoing skills and training needs.
This is a part‑time post for a fixed period. The research associate will work for 15 hours a week for a nine‑month period. There will be flexibility to work remotely or at the University of Birmingham campus for most of the project period, however it is a requirement that the research associate carries out some project‑based work in Birmingham.
Role Summary
Key elements of the research associate’s role will be the collection and analysis of secondary data, working alongside and supporting the carer co‑researcher team, and contributing to work to share the study findings (such as writing for publication, presentations, other dissemination activity).
Main Duties
- Collect research data via:
- Literature review processes
- Independent Investigation Reports
- Public online carer materials and networks
- Coding and secondary analysis of qualitative data
- Training and support of carer co‑researchers, alongside the study lead
- Involvement in writing (for public and specialist audiences) and planning dissemination activities (such as seminar or conference presentations)
- Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
- Promote equality and value diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture
Person Specification
- Degree or equivalent in relevant subject area
- Practical experience of collecting and analysing qualitative data
- Experience of participatory or collaborative research and/or experience of community engagement or advocacy‑related work
- Good inter‑personal skills with an ability to work collaboratively, and help others
- Desirable: experience of writing for research publication and/or presenting work (e.g. in meetings, seminars, conferences, via alternative outputs)
- Knowledge of the protected characteristics and duties of the Equality Act 2010 and commitment to ensure its implementation; advancing the university Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)
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 Associate - School of Social Policy and Society - 107824 - Grade 6 in Birmingham employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, staff have access to numerous growth opportunities and professional training, all while enjoying the benefits of a flexible working arrangement. Located in a vibrant city, the university promotes a culture of inclusivity and support, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate - School of Social Policy and Society - 107824 - Grade 6 in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like University of Birmingham, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at University of Birmingham. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through University of Birmingham's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate - School of Social Policy and Society - 107824 - Grade 6 in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at University of Birmingham. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at University of Birmingham.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with University of Birmingham.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Research Associate - School of Social Policy and Society - 107824 - Grade 6 at University of Birmingham.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show University of Birmingham that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Research Associate - School of Social Policy and Society - 107824 - Grade 6 role.
