Research Fellow, Social Sciences

Job Purpose

The School of Social Policy is recognised as one of the main centres for social care and health research in the UK. The successful candidate will also work closely with the Institute of Local Government Studies in the School of Government and Society. We are seeking to recruit a research fellow to work part-time (40%) on a project funded by the Department of Health Policy Research Unit which will be looking at how local authorities are undertaking market management and promoting personalisation in relation to adults with potential needs for social care – which are key elements of the Care Act 2014.

The postholder will be involved in conducting a review of the literature, a national survey of how local authorities are responding to the challenge, undertaking interviews and focus groups, and investigating a purposive sample of Case Study sites - using mixed methods to explore leading-edge practice and implementation, and evidence of impact. The postholder will also contribute to the analysis and writing up of the research.
We are seeking a social science researcher with relevant experience of undertaking qualitative and quantitative research, ideally within the field of social care and local government or health.

Person Specification

• A higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly – both orally and in writing
• Good interpersonal skills in relation to working with managers and staff within social care and health settings, and with service users, family members and the general public
• Fluency in relevant research models, techniques and methods – including survey and case study approaches
• Fluency in using relevant IT packages in collecting and analysing qualitative and quantitative data
• Positive, flexible and enthusiastic approach, and ability to act on own initiative and prioritise workload
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes