Job Description and Person
Specification
Last updated:
November 2015
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post title:
Research Fellow
Academic Unit/Service:
NIHR Evaluations, Trials and Studies Co-ordinating Centre (NETSCC), Wessex
Institute
Faculty:
Faculty of Medicine
Career Pathway:
Education, Research and Enterprise (ERE)
*ERE category:
Research pathway
Posts responsible to:
Senior Research Fellow
Level:
4
Posts responsible for:
Post base:
Office-based
Job purpose
To undertake literature searching, consultation with advisors and writing of short briefing papers
(medical/public health writing) in order to support the identification, development and prioritisation of
research into public health interventions outside of the NHS. These research questions are then advertised
in order for external research teams to be commissioned to complete the research projects.
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities
1.
% Time
To support PHR advisory boards. This support will comprise:
To prepare briefing papers on topics of interest to the PHR programme in discussion with 70%
and in support of the work of the Senior Research Fellow by: (i) identifying and critically
appraising existing literature on effectiveness, costs and current practice, (ii) using systems
to identify ongoing research projects in these areas of interest, iii) establishing contact
with the researcher community to clarify relevance to the PHR programme, maintaining a
“watching brief” on projects of particular interest, (iv) enlisting the expertise of specialists
in areas relevant to potential research topics, and (v) discussing briefs in development with
advisory board members.
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities
% Time
2.
To contribute to the identification of topics for consideration by the PHR advisory boards 20%
by abstracting and clarifying suggestions and recommendations for research from the
literature, guidance documents and by networking with individuals and boards of experts.
This work will also include contribution to new developments around the identification of
topics, including the discussion and development of research methods and techniques
used in the identification of topics and the production of briefing papers.
3.
In addition to those associated with undertaking the tasks identified above, the post
holder will need to attend a range of meetings and to undertake some administrative
responsibilities that improve the work of the boards, as appropriate to the needs of the
organisation.
5%
4.
Any other duties as allocated by the line manager following consultation with the post
holder.
5%
Internal and external relationships
Internal: Senior Research Fellow, Consultant Advisors, Senior Scientific Advisors, Research Fellows &
Associates, Programme Managers, Information Scientists and Administrators.
External: Chairs of advisory boards, board members, experts and public groups. Other individuals and
organisations on an ad hoc basis.
Special Requirements
The post holder will need to be able to attend whole day meetings in London and occasionally in other
locations in the UK a few times a year.
Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or
nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon
successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research
Assistant will be given.
Document1ERE Level 4 – Research Pathway – Research Fellow
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications,
knowledge and
experience
PhD or equivalent professional
qualification and experience in
public health research
Awareness or understanding of
research methodologies
How to be
assessed
Masters or equivalent professional
qualification and/or experience in
public health research
Knowledge of, and/or demonstrable
skills in one or more of: critical
appraisal, evidence based health or
social care, systematic reviewing or
searching skills, particularly of
academic databases
Detailed understanding and
knowledge/ awareness of public
health research.
Writing reports on technical / clinical
/ managerial matters
Either relevant postgraduate
experience or relevant experience in
social care or health service research
or in a social care or health related
field
Planning and
organising
Ability to manage own workload
proactively and to work to multiple
deadlines
Experience of coordinating work
with external contacts and
organisations.
Ability to network and liaise with
external contacts and organisations
Problem solving
and initiative
Ability to search, analyse and
critique complex information and
issues
Familiarity with critical appraisal and
literature searching.
Management
and teamwork
Work effectively in a team,
understanding the strengths and
weaknesses of others to help
teamwork development
Communicating
and influencing
Ability to write concisely and clearly
on technical subjects and prepare
reports quickly
Experience of working with various
health or social care professionals
Good oral and written
communication skills for working
with external experts and other
members of the NETSCC team
Document1ERE Level 4 – Research Pathway – Research Fellow
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The ability to work with people from
a wide variety of academic
disciplines and other backgrounds
Other skills and
behaviours
Numeracy and good skills in word
processing
Positive attitude to colleagues
Special
requirements
Ability to attend meetings
periodically outside Southampton
Document1ERE Level 4 – Research Pathway – Research Fellow
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JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS
Is this an office-based post?
☒ Yes
If this post is an office-based job with routine office hazards (eg: use of VDU), no further
information needs to be supplied. Do not complete the section below.
☐ No
If this post is not office-based or has some hazards other than routine office (eg: more than use
of VDU) please complete the analysis below.
Hiring managers are asked to complete this section as accurately as possible to ensure the safety
of the post-holder.
## - HR will send a full PEHQ to all applicants for this position. Please note, if full health clearance is required
for a role, this will apply to all individuals, including existing members of staff.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES
Occasionally
Frequently
Constantly
(<30% of time)
(30-60% of time)
(> 60% of time)
Outside work
Extremes of temperature (eg: fridge/ furnace)
## Potential for exposure to body fluids
## Noise (greater than 80 dba - 8 hrs twa)
## Exposure to hazardous substances (eg: solvents, liquids, dust, fumes,
biohazards). Specify below:
Frequent hand washing
Ionising radiation
EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/MACHINES USED
## Food handling
## Driving university vehicles(eg: car/van/LGV/PCV)
## Use of latex gloves (prohibited unless specific clinical necessity)
## Vibrating tools (eg: strimmers, hammer drill, lawnmowers)
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
Load manual handling
Repetitive crouching/kneeling/stooping
Repetitive pulling/pushing
Repetitive lifting
Standing for prolonged periods
Repetitive climbing (ie: steps, stools, ladders, stairs)
Fine motor grips (eg: pipetting)
Gross motor grips
Repetitive reaching below shoulder height
Repetitive reaching at shoulder height
Repetitive reaching above shoulder height
PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES
Face to face contact with public
Lone working
## Shift work/night work/on call duties
Document1ERE Level 4 – Research Pathway – Research Fellow
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