Research Fellow - Institute of Applied Health Research - 103704 - Grade 7

Position Details

Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £34,980 to £44,263 with potential progression once in post to £46,974

Grade: 7

Part Time (22.5 working hours per week)

Fixed Term contract up to October 2026 

Closing date: 18th April 2024

Background

Since the 2005 Gambling Act came into effect, concern about gambling harm has grown in the UK. In response, many experts call for a whole-systems, public health (PH) approach, anchored in interventional PH laws and population-level interventions to reduce harms. However, we currently lack systematic evidence on the effectiveness of such interventions, including in terms of their impacts on health inequalities. We also lack comprehensive data on the ill-health burden associated with gambling, and a core outcome set with which we can robustly measure the effectiveness of interventions. We have been awarded an NIHR research grant over 30 months starting from the 1st May 2024 to further explore some of these unknowns. 

Role Summary

The post holder will be reasonable for working across two main work packages of the project and will be responsible for supporting the involvement and engagement of the public in the research. The WPs consist of: 

WP2 To explore the breadth of gambling related harms

The post holder will use existing data for a series of studies describing which sub-groups of the population experience the greatest burden of harms associated with gambling, and the breadth of these harms. The post holder will support undertaking a national survey to over-sample under-served communities to capture the breadth of gambling related harms in these communities. The post holder will be supported by a full time researcher with expertise in applied health in this WP. 

WP3 To develop a core outcome set to design a best practice model for studying gambling related legal and population-based interventions

WP1 and WP2 will feed into WP3, in conjunction with updates to the existing literature on gambling harms and outcome measures, to produce a longlist of outcomes relevant to gambling related harm. This longlist will be refined through a three stage DELPHI exercise with key stakeholders. The shortlist will be further refined through a consensus workshop to produce a core outcome set. The post holder will be supported by a full-time researcher with expertise in applied health to deliver this WP.

Our project has strong public involvement and has been created following conversations with: 1) members of the public (including people from groups who are often over-looked in health research), 2) people affected by gambling harm, and 3) people who work for gambling charities. Our research team includes a person with experience of gambling harm, and a person working in an organisation which is dedicated to supported unheard voices in our communities be part of health research. The post holder will be responsible for co-ordinating the voice of the public in the research. 

The post holder will also be responsible for supporting the team apply for future follow on funding. 

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews as noted above
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Analyse and interpret data
• 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
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Contribute to writing bids for further research funding
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly, including to non-academic partners and to specialists in other disciplines.
• Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• 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

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Joht Chandan, email:  

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 .