Research Fellow (Part-time), School of Nursing and Midwifery

To be an active member of the project team assisting in the planning and delivery of a nurse led initiate to improve the sexual health of men committed to the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS).
The project is funded by the Burdett Trust for Nursing.

MAJOR DUTIES:

• Assist in the co-ordination of project advisory group meetings at different key stages throughout the project.
• Conduct a systematic review of the literature on sexual health initiatives within prison environments.
• Present regular progress reports on the project to members of the project group or to external audiences to disseminate and publicise research findings.
• Assist with the training of nursing staff in relation to Sexual Health Education and the proposed action research project with young male offenders.
• Engage young male prisoners in an evidence based educational programme on sexual health and relationships, leading to the development of an interactive video-drama.
• Assist in the development of the educational resource, including liaison with an approved media production company.
• Assist with the preparation of material for publication in national and international journals and presentations at international conferences. Write up results of own work and contribute to the production of research reports, publications and proposals.
• Carry out routine administrative duties as requested, e.g. arranging research group meetings, maintaining research group website. Read academic papers, journals and textbooks to keep abreast of developments.
• Carry out any other duties designated by a line manager and which fall within the general ambit of the post.

Planning and Organising:

• Plan own day-to-day activity within the framework of the agreed project. Contribute to the planning of research projects, reports
• and publications etc usually 1-6 months in advance.

Resource Management Responsibilities:

• Ensure research resources are used in an effective and efficient manner.
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research.

Internal and External Relationships:

• Liaise with research colleagues and support staff on routine matters.
• Make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future collaboration.
• Liaise with local non statutory organisations such as Barnardos NI to develop a tailored education programme for nursing staff.
• Attend and contribute to relevant meetings.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• Normally have or be about to obtain a PhD.
• At least 3 years’ relevant experience of qualitative research methods.
• Contribute to the School’s outreach programme by links with community groups etc.
• Sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within own area.
• Ability to contribute to method improvement where required.
• Ability to interact with research colleagues and support staff.
• Ability to analyse and communicate effectively.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Ability to build contacts and participate in internal and external networks.
• Demonstrable intellectual ability.
• Excellent communication skills.
• A willingness to travel within Northern Ireland.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

• Relevant study in the area of sexual health or facilitation skills in engaging young men.
• Experience of facilitating focus groups or service user groups.
• Experience of health development projects with young men.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the sexual health concerns of young people.
• Holder of a current driver’s licence or ability to meet the mobility requirements of the post.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The post is for 1 year on a 0.4WTE basis.