JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB PROFILE
DIRECTORATE: Policy, Research and Development
TEAM: Policy and Research
JOB TITLE: Researcher in Qualitative Research
LAST UPDATED: July 2014
1.
MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB
Undertake qualitative research exploring the use of the Internet in relation to suicidal behaviour, in
collaboration with a team of researchers at the School of Social and Community Medicine, Bristol
University for a Department of Health funded study.
There are growing concerns about the role of the Internet in encouraging suicidal behaviour.
Minimising the risks of the Internet while harnessing its potential for good is a significant emerging
challenge for suicide prevention, but currently there is insufficient evidence available to meet this
challenge. This research aims to provide detailed empirical evidence about use of the Internet for
suicide-related purposes and how this beneficially and/ or detrimentally influences suicidal feelings
and behaviour. These findings will be used to inform advice to policy makers, clinicians, voluntary
sector organisations and the Internet Industry; and to identify future programmes of work to be
developed with these groups.
The primary responsibility of the researcher will be to conduct in-depth interviews with individuals
who have used the Internet for suicide-related purposes, analysing and writing up findings.
Interviews will be used to derive in-depth accounts of suicide-related Internet use and the impact of
this on suicidal behaviour, and to investigate users’ perceptions of online prevention/ support
materials and approaches. Methods of analysis will include thematic analysis using techniques of
constant comparison, and narrative methods.
The researcher will ensure the research is undertaken ethically and sensitively, taking account of the
potential vulnerability of participants. They will manage the delivery of Samaritans’ components of
the project in coordination with the Bristol University team.
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POSITION IN ORGANISATION
Reports into: Head of Policy and Research, Samaritans
Line manages: none
Liaises with: Samaritans’ research team and other relevant staff members
Works with: research team at Bristol University
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3.
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4.
SCOPE OF JOB
Conducting in-depth interviews with individuals who have used the Internet for suicide-related
purposes
Analysing and writing-up findings
Managing delivery of Samaritans’ components of the research
General duties of a Samaritans staff member
DIMENSIONS AND LIMITS OF AUTHORITY
The researcher will carry out the qualitative research alongside the study principal investigator and
Bristol University qualitative researchers. They will be directly accountable to the Head of Policy and
Research at Samaritans. They will be responsible for managing their own work, coordinating with
Bristol University researchers and relevant Samaritans staff.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
5.
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
A good first degree (first class honours/ 2.1 or
equivalent) in social science or other relevant
discipline.
Desirable
PhD in social science or health services research
or equivalent research experience.
6.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Essential
Knowledge of qualitative research methods
Desirable
Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary
research team.
Experiences of undertaking qualitative research
in a health services or relevant research setting
Experience of working in mental health settings
Experience of face to face one to one
interviewing with vulnerable populations
covering sensitive subject matter
Experience of one to one interviewing via
telephone and online
Experience of at least two methods of applied
qualitative data analysis
Literacy in social media
Evidence of successful completion of qualitative
research
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Authorship of scientific publication(s)
Computer literate, with experience of qualitative
data coding programmes
7.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Essential
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Desirable
Commitment to team-working, and respect and
consideration for the skills of others
Self-motivated, pro-active, innovative, and able
to use initiative where appropriate
Hardworking and able to prioritise work
Adaptable to situations and able to handle
people of all capabilities and attitudes
Willingness to work flexible hours and to travel
within the UK
DUTIES & KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Conducting in-depth interviews with individuals who have used the Internet for suicide-related
purposes
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Recruit participants via Samaritans’ website, social media presence and online services, as well
as wider online sites and forums.
Administer an online survey in order to develop a profile of respondents.
Select a sub-sample of survey respondents to interview, in order to fill gaps in the other
qualitative samples in the study (clinical and community young people samples).
Undertake around 20 in-depth one to one interviews with respondents, face to face, online or
via telephone.
Analysing and writing-up findings
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Analyse interview data from Samaritans’ sample, in collaboration with researchers from Bristol
University.
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Contribute to analysis of the other qualitative samples in the study, led by Bristol University
researchers, as well as analysis of findings across samples.
Participate in writing research reports, giving presentations about the research and preparing
papers for publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Managing delivery of Samaritans’ components of the research
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Ensure the research is undertaken sensitively and ethically, taking account of the potential
vulnerability of participants.
Liaise with relevant Samaritans staff members, including members of the research, digital
development and communications team, in order to link the research to policy and practice.
Coordinate with the research team at Bristol University; participate in research team and
steering group meetings.
General management and administration of Samaritans components of the project, including
project status reports.
General duties of a Samaritans staff member
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Contribute to the effective and efficient running of the General Office as appropriate.
Participate, as appropriate, in staff forums and meetings.
Adhere to all Samaritans’ policies and procedures.
Represent the General Office appropriately across Samaritans to the wider community as
appropriate.
Treat all colleagues, volunteers and members of the public with dignity and work within and
adhere to Samaritans’ equal opportunities statement and polices.
Carry out any reasonable requests made that are within the broad remit of the role.
Signed by employee:________________________
Date: ______________________
Footer: This job description is a statement of requirements at the time of writing and is not
contractual. It should not be seen as precluding future changes after appointment to this role.
When the job description is updated please a signed and electronic copy to HR.
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