Research Associate

We are really pleased to offer this excellent opportunity to contribute to a SPFT-sponsored research project as a Senior Research Associate. You will be a key member of a diverse research team working on an exciting NIHR-funded research project focusing on the power of first-person narratives created by people with intellectual disabilities that describe living with mental health challenges. The aim of the project is to explore processes involved in gathering these narratives, and to explore the impact that accessing the narratives might have on other people with intellectual disabilities. You will be responsible for recruiting research participants with intellectual disabilities and supporting them to create and access narratives. Data collection will take place in health and social care settings in London and the Southeast. Ideally we are looking for a post-doctoral applicant, and previous research delivery experience is essential.,

• Securing ethical approval for the research
• Recruitment of research participants
• Conducting interviews with research participants
• Working with research participants and an inclusive video company to create individual narratives
• Using standardised measures of wellbeing and quality of lifeManaging research data in line with GDPR
• Transcription and analysis of data
• Writing up and disseminating findings for a variety of audiences
• Managing the social media activities for the project
• Helping to conduct research team meetings and supporting the establishment and running of the project Advisory GroupSupporting co-researchers, Experience of working with/supporting people with intellectual disabilities in a practitioner or family carer role is essential for this post. The research will be conducted using a narrative approach so familiarity with narrative and storytelling research would be a great advantage. Experience of using design and creative skills in different media would be very welcome.
You will collaborate with research team members in analysing and interpreting the data and preparing reports and academic papers. We are looking for someone with excellent communication skills, who is happy to work independently with the capacity to deliver on the core aspects of the research with good data management and record keeping. We particularly invite applications from under-represented groups and people with lived experience of using services. You will work closely with Dr Tony Levitan (SPFT) and Dr Deborah Chinn (Kings College London), the project leads, as well as the PPI lead for the research and the project Advisory Group. You will also support the co-researchers with intellectual disabilities who will be working alongside you in this project.


• Postgraduate qualification (Masters level) in a relevant discipline or equivalent research experience
• Training and/or experience in qualitative research methods, An understanding of research about mental health and intellectual disabilities issues and interventions
• At least 12 months' research delivery experience in an NHS or University Institution
• Evidence of experience and understanding of research design, methodology, data collection and analysis
• Experience of multidisciplinary working and collaborating with other agencies
• Evidence of continuous personal and professional development
• Knowledge and experience of handling complex and difficult situations
• Experience in supporting people with learning disabilities, in professional role or as a family member
• Knowledge of health and social inequalities experienced by people with learning disabilities, Experience working in health and/or social care settings.
• Knowledge of inclusive and participatory research practice
• Experience using narrative research methodologies, Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with experience of communicating complex information
• Highly motivated with the ability to work as part of a team and also on an individual basis.
• Excellent organisational skills with proven ability to prioritise.
• IT skills including experience of MS Office, NVivo, Excel and database systems, Project management experience, Mobility to travel across sites
• Self-motivated with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  
  You will join a supportive and friendly research team including experts by experience and researchers specialising in working inclusively with people with intellectual disabilities and people with mental health difficulties. We are committed to Inclusive Research approaches.
We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups including those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups, the LGBTQI+ community, those who are neurodiverse and those with a disability as well as those with lived experience of using services as carers. SPFT considers the professional and personal development of our staff a priority and we offer an inspiring range of opportunities for training and career progression. You will also be able to take advantage of career development opportunities offered to early career researchers by King's College London. The principle investigators work within Sussex Partnership and King's College London, who see the continuing professional development of early career researchers as a priority.