Research Associates x2

The Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory was set up with funding from the Scottish Government to build understanding of the health inequalities experienced by people with learning disabilities through the provision of world-leading research. The Observatory conducts novel research using linked health data to analyse health and care outcomes for people with learning disabilities. This vital research contributes to the delivery of the Scottish Government’s learning disabilities strategy which aims to address the inequalities experienced by people with learning disabilities in Scotland.

The successful candidates will make a leading contribution to our programme of research addressing the health and health inequalities of people with learning disabilities and their family carers, using quantitative methods and statistical data analysis to analyse large, complex datasets including a novel linkage of Scotland’s Census 2011 data with a number of health datasets. The candidates will work with Professor Deborah Cairns (Director of the SLDO), Professor Craig Melville, Dr Laura Hughes-McCormack, Dr Kirsty Dunn and the wider Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory team to assist in managing and directing this complex and challenging work.

Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Observatory Director, project PIs and other researchers on the project team:

• Assist and contribute to planning and delivery of research objectives agreed by our funders in accordance with the project deliverables under supervision of Professor Cairns, the Observatory Director, PIs and in accordance with the School of Health & Wellbeing research strategy.

• Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

• Conduct complex data analysis of Scotland’s Census 2011 data and linked datasets; including developing analysis plans and interpretation of results.

• Contribute to writing publications.

• Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

• Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of the University of Glasgow, School of Health & Wellbeing and Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit and gathering indicators of esteem.

• Ensure all research data is maintained in accordance with existing and new Data Protection Regulations, and NHS governance arrangements.

• Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile, as opportunities arise.

• Contribute to identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.

• Contribute to developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the School of Health & Wellbeing and wider community, including collaborators in third sector organisations and the NHS.

• Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory including convening and minuting co-investigator meetings.

• Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

• Engage in personal, professional and career development to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

• Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Director of the Scottish Learning Disabilities Observatory and/or PI.

• Contribute to the enhancement of the University's International profile in line with the University's Strategic Plan - Inspiring People - Changing the World. http://www.gla.ac.uk/about/strategy/people/

• Contribute to mentoring and supervising less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

• Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.

These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight several major tasks which you may be reasonably expected to perform.

Essential:
A1. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s).

A2. Up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge in quantitative methods and statistical data analysis.
A3. Understanding of relevant health and safety policies and procedures relative to the role.

A4. Knowledge and practical experience in the design and analysis of quantitative health research, including data linkage studies and statistical modelling.

A5. Knowledge and practical experience working with people with learning disabilities

C1. Demonstrable ability to implement data analysis methods using large, complex datasets, including those linked to routine healthcare data and mortality/cancer registry data.
C2. Skilled in the application of statistical software packages to conduct data analysis e.g. SPSS, R, SAS, STATA.

C3. Appraisal skills as applied to published research.
C4. Highly motivated, ability to use initiative and quick to learn new techniques.

C5. Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.
C6. Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.

C7. IT and data analysis/interpretation skills.
C8. Ability to work independently and manage workload

C9. Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

C10. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area (i.e., health) or subject specialism (carers and/or intellectual disabilities).

C11 Sufficient depth of relevant research and statistical experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.

D1. Expertise analysing using Census data or secondary analysis of large datasets of a similar nature.

Essential:
E1. Sufficient breadth and depth of knowledge in related research area and in quantitative research methods and techniques relevant to project subject area, demonstrated through academic or work experience.

E2. Practical experience in the management and handling of large complex datasets.
E3. Practical application of statistical analysis methods including appropriate analysis techniques for handling health outcome data and interpretation of findings.

E4. Experience of scientific writing and leading or contributing to academic peer-reviewed publications.
E5. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

E6. Experience of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences.
E7. Experience of making a contribution in academic activities; including experience of public engagement.

E8 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences.

E9. Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.

E10. Ability to demonstrate a degree of autonomy/ independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.

E11. Experience in undertaking independent research.

Salary will be Grade 7, £38,474 - £43,155 per annum.

This post is full time and fixed term for up to 24 months.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.