Research Fellow – School of Social Policy and Society – 105536 – Grade 8

Position Details

School of Social Policy and Society 

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £46,735 to £55,755 with potential progression once in post to £62,728

Grade: 8

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2027

Closing date: 27th April 2025

Interviews to be held: 8th and 9th May 2025

Background

To create and disseminate knowledge through initiating and conducting original research and through publication, as appropriate to the disciplinary area. 

You will be joining the College of Social Sciences to be part of a dynamic team of academics in the new Birmingham Centre for Evidence and Implementation Science (BCEIS). You will be part of a multi-disciplinary team at the forefront of methodological innovation and policy and practice change. The Centre encompasses: 1) A Technology Appraisal Review (TAR) team that delivers diagnostic and medicine technology appraisals for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and other stakeholders, 2) an Evidence Synthesis Group delivering a range of evidence synthesis products for the NIHR and a wide range of stakeholders 3) an Evidence Based Surgery Unit as well as research into implementation science and methodology. 

BCEIS are looking to appoint an ambitious and accomplished researcher with expertise in evidence synthesis and systematic review. This exciting new post will involve leading the synthesis of clinical effectiveness evidence that contributes to health technology assessment (HTA) projects for the Centre’s TAR team.

You will work with a multidisciplinary team of information specialists, systematic reviewers, epidemiologists, statisticians and modellers in appraising evidence on the clinical and cost effectiveness of diagnostic and medical technologies. You will provide senior leadership to junior and mid-career colleagues and guidance in evidence synthesis. 

You will collaborate with colleagues in other departments at the University of Birmingham with synergistic research activities and contribute to other workstreams within BCEIS. Other national and international collaboration will be expected. 

Role Summary

• To lead and be responsible for the prompt and accurate delivery of the evidence synthesis of clinical effectiveness evidence, (e.g., NICE Technology Appraisals and Diagnostic Reviews) in the BCEIS TAR team and to be accountable to external funding bodies and sponsors
• To ensure team works collaboratively to deliver cohesive reports and publications, leading weekly project meetings and providing  updates to leadership team
• Manage communications with internal and external stakeholders, and represent BCEIS at national meetings 
• Initiate and conduct original research which has measurable outcomes and is reflected in a growing national and often incipient international reputation
• Plan, design and co-ordinate research activities and programmes
• Contribute to the development of research strategies
• Publish results of own research
• Supervise PhD students
• 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. This may include, where appropriate to the discipline:

• Pursue personal research including developing research ideas and winning support, including financial 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, both within and out with the University
• Provide expert advice to colleagues and students within discipline
• Contribute to the administration/management of research across the Department/School
• Apply knowledge in a way that develops new intellectual understanding 
• Actively manages equality, diversity and inclusion through monitoring and evaluation and actively challenging unacceptable behaviour
• Develop and make substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, and public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University
• Contribute to some administrative activities within the University, typically relating to research

Person Specification

• Normally, a higher degree relevant to the research area (normally PhD) or equivalent qualifications
• Extensive research experience and scholarship within subject specialism
• Experience and achievement reflected in a growing reputation 
• Extensive experience and demonstrated success in planning, undertaking and project managing research to deliver high quality results
• Extensive experience of applying and/or developing and devising successful models, techniques and methods
• Extensive experience and achievement in knowledge transfer, enterprise and similar activity
• Experience of championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in own work area
• Ability to monitor and evaluate the extent to which equality and diversity legislation, policies, procedures are applied
• Ability to identify issues with the potential to impact on protected groups and take appropriate action

Informal enquiries to Dan Gallacher, email: d.c.gallacher@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.