Job Description and Person
Specification
Last updated:
Oct 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 or Senior Research Manager
Level:
4
Posts responsible for:
Post base:
Office-based
Job purpose
To undertake literature searching, consultation with advisors and medical/scientific writing in order to
support the identification, development and prioritisation of research questions which are important to 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
% Time
1.
90 %
The amount of time spent on each activity will vary.
a.
Identify research topics within the remit of the programmes based at
NETSCC. This will involve abstracting and clarifying suggestions and
recommendations for research from the literature, guidance documents
and by networking with individuals and appropriate groups of experts.
This work will also include contribution to new developments around how
we identify topics to meet the needs of the Programmes.
b.
To prepare briefing papers by: identifying and critically appraising
existing literature on the current evidence base for the intervention in
question. Use established systems to identify ongoing research projects
in these arears of interest, establish contact with the clinical community
to clarify the importance of the research to patients, the NHS or other
important stakeholders.
c.
Carry out analysis of the funded portfolio.
d.
Carry out research focused tasked around research management.
e.
Attend external meetings to represent the NIHR, to network with experts
or to facilitate groups to develop and identify new research topics.
f.
To engage with the on-going evaluation of our research management
processes, to be flexible and able to adapt to change and implement
necessary changes to processes to ensure the highest quality outputs.
2.
The post holder will need to attend a range of meetings and to undertake some
administrative responsibilities, as appropriate to the needs of the organisation.
5%
3.
Any other duties as allocated by the line manager suitable to this post.
5%
Internal and external relationships
Internal: Senior Scientific/Clinical Advisors, Senior Programme Managers, Senior Research Fellows, Research
Fellows, Programme Managers, Information Scientists, Administrators and other NETSCC colleagues.
External: Chairs of advisory boards, board members, panel 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 other locations in the UK
and occasionally stay overnight to facilitate this when required.
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
2
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
How to be
assessed
Qualifications,
knowledge and
experience
PhD or equivalent professional
qualifications and experience in in
health research
Awareness of the NIHR and its
funding Programmes
Application
and Interview
Familiarity with statistical analysis
Knowledge of, and/or demonstrable
skills in one or more of: critical
appraisal, evidence based health or
social care, systematic reviewing or
literature searching skills
Awareness or understanding of
research methodologies
Writing reports on technical / clinical
/ scientific matters
Experience of planning, carrying out
and completing a research project
Planning and
organising
Ability to manage own workload
proactively and to work to multiple
deadlines
Experience of coordinating work
with external contacts and
organisations.
Application
and Interview
Ability to network and liaise with
external contacts and organisations
to seek timely expert input in order
to meet deadlines
Problem solving
and initiative
Able to develop understanding of
complex problems and apply indepth knowledge to address them
Application
and Interview
Management
and teamwork
Work effectively in a team,
understanding the strengths and
weaknesses of others to help
teamwork development
Application
and Interview
Communicating
and influencing
Communicate new and complex
information effectively, both verbally
and in writing, engaging the interest
and enthusiasm of the target
audience which could be from a
range of backgrounds
Application
and Interview
Ability to write concisely and clearly
on technical subjects and prepare
reports quickly
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.
Application
and Interview
Demonstrate a commitment to work
hard towards the goals of NIHR and
NETSCC.
Document1ERE Level 4 – Research Pathway – Research Fellow
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Adaptability/flexibility to work in a
changing environment.
Special
requirements
Ability to attend meetings outside
Southampton which may require the
occasional overnight stay away from
Southampton
Application
and Interview
To be flexible and prepared to
provide cover within or across
NETSCC as required
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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