Job Description

Position Details

School of Government


Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK


Full time starting salary is normally in the range 36,130 to 45,413 with potential progression once in post to 48,149


Grade: 7


Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to 6 months


Closing date: 3rd June 2025

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within the Local Government Research Culture research project with Sandwell Health Determinants Research Collaborative.


You will work with the research project Principal Investigator, Dr Jason Lowther, and colleagues in NIHR Health Determinants Research Collaborative (HDRC) Sandwell, to examine the research culture of local authorities in England. The HDRC aims to transform the research culture and infrastructure across Sandwell Council so that their work is evidence-informed, robustly evaluated, and reflects the needs and values of local communities. This 6 month project includes a systematic literature review, complemented by analysis of recent research in the council, and further interviews in other HDRCs / councils.


The School of Government is intellectually vibrant with an excellent record in both research and teaching. It provides a supportive environment, enabling colleagues to engage internationally, build networks and deliver excellent teaching and research. Resources are available to facilitate research, grant capture, and impact and engagement activities. Staff are encouraged and supported to be innovative in their teaching, enabling students to thrive and build firm foundations in the discipline.


The School of Government comprises the Department of Political Science and International Studies, the Department of Public Administration and Policy (incorporating the Institute of Local Government Studies), and the International Development Department. We are one of the largest Schools of Government in the United Kingdom - home to more than 90 full-time academic staff, more than 1,500 undergraduate and taught postgraduate students, and more than 70 doctoral researchers.

Role Summary

Work within the specified research project Analyse and interpret research findings and results Contribute to generating reports, academic and policy papers, etc.

Main Duties

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


Develop research objectives and proposals for research, with assistance of the PI Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews Analyse and interpret data Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline 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 Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research 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

A PhD (or near to completion) in public policy or a related field Experience in conducting a literature review Experience in thematic qualitative analysis of interviews (ideally using Nvivo) An interest in and/or experience of working in local government (ideally) High level analytical capability Ability to communicate complex information clearly Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management Ability to contribute to the planning and organising of the research project Able to 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 Dr Jason Lowther, email: j.lowther@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

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