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VACANCY at the UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH!
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Research Fellow !
Centre for Population Health Sciences (CPHS)!
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Administrative Data Research Centre – Scotland!
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031611!
5-Nov-2014!
Helen Christie!
0131 650 3214!
[email protected]!
The Centre for Population Health Sciences (CPHS www.cphs.mvm.ed.ac.uk) seeks a Research Fellow
to develop and implement a public engagement (PE) programme for the Administrative Data
Research Centre for Scotland (ADRC-S http://adrn.ac.uk/centres/scotland). ADRC-S is part of a UK
network of centres recently funded by ESRC to develop social and policy research through the
linkage of information captured in the course of people’s interactions with public services. The
innovative nature of the activities of ADRC-S requires an energetic and intellectually dexterous
researcher with experience in this field.
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The role involves developing and delivering an innovative programme of research, consultation and
active public involvement relevant to ADRC-S in a range of citizen (general public), stakeholder
(researchers, government, third sector) and advocacy groups, to ensure that processes and results
are embedded, as appropriate, in ADRC-S internal decision making and outward focussed profile.
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Applicants must have at least a Higher degree in a social science discipline and solid experience of
patient and public involvement in research.
The post is offered as part-time (28 hrs), available from January 2015 and is Fixed Term for 3 years.
Please contact Dr Claudia Pagliari ([email protected]), 0131 650 9464 for further details.
1. Job Details
Job title: Research Fellow, Public Involvement and Citizen Science
School/Support Department: Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Sciences
Unit (if applicable): Centre for Population Health Sciences
Line manager: Dr Claudia Pagliari
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2. Job Purpose
• Developing and delivering a strategy for public engagement, public involvement and citizen science
using diverse methods across the three main dimensions of involvement (awareness raising,
consultation and empowerment). This should include but not be limited to social media
management, deliberative consultation; recruiting and supporting public representatives; and the
adoption of innovative methods such as digital citizen science and accessible visualisation tools.
Analysis of data generated. 45%
• Developing and delivering a dissemination and publication strategy to reach diverse audiences,
including ADRC-S researchers, stakeholders, decision makers, wider publics and our academic
community (through peer reviewed publications). 20%
• Maintaining an up-to-date bibliographic database of relevant literature and conducting systematic
and narrative reviews. 15%
• Developing and delivering an evaluation strategy for the public engagement programme. 5%
• Working with members of the ADRC-Scotland, and relevant communities of practice, to understand
the context and culture of data sharing and the possible sensitivities involved in using and linking
data from different sources and governance thereof. Working with particular projects with existing
active strategies for public engagement from which learning may be gained and joint activities
planned. 10%
• Working with the network of Public Engagement and Communications officers across the four UK
ADRCs, the Administrative Data Research Service/Network and other related networks including the
FARR institute and the Scottish Informatics Linkage Collaboration. 5%
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4. Planning and Organising
The post-holder will work with the ADRC management team, and the ADRN to define and develop
the activity plans for the remainder of the project. They will also review achievements regularly and
ensure milestones are met. The post will require use of the post-holder’s own initiative in developing
and delivering a programme of effective public involvement and engagement, with strong support
from colleagues within ADRC-Scotland.
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5. Problem Solving
The post-holder will be expected to solve minor day to day difficulties independently. He or she will
work with the Public Engagement Strategic Platform Leads to resolve any more significant problems
that arise in recruitment and conduct of the public engagement work, including ethical issues.
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6. Decision Making
The post-holder will plan and organise much of his/her own workload in consultation with the PE
team. Major strategic decisions will be taken in collaboration with that team. The post-holder will
highlight any issues to colleagues in CPHS and the ADRC-S Support Team, identify options for
resolution, and take the lead on their implementation.
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7. Key Contacts/Relationships
• Public Engagement Lead for ADRC-S (Dr Claudia Pagliari - line manager, theme leader; Professor
Sarah Cunningham-Burley, Theme co-lead; Ken Gibb, Theme co-investigator)
• ADRC-S Project Manager and Support Team: for PE planning, operations and reporting
• SILC Communications subgroup
• ADS – Coordination hub for PE/Comms activities
• External groups with a remit for public engagement in compatible areas
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8. Knowledge, Skills and Experience Needed for the Job
Qualifications/Training
Essential
Higher degree in a social science discipline
Desirable
PhD in applied social science or policy research
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Experience
Essential
Solid experience of patient and public involvement in research or policy
Desirable
Expertise in digital engagement and citizen science;
Expertise in critical public understanding of science;
Knowledge and experience in data linkage research
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Knowledge, Skills and Competencies
Essential
Experience of a range of research methodologies;
Experience of evaluation methodology;
Excellent interpersonal communication skills in a range of media;
Ability to write or present research to diverse audiences
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Desirable
Skills in social media and citizen science;
Experience of working/researching with ‘hard to reach groups’;
Experience of working/researching with young people;
Experience of working with charities/agencies;
Evidence of success in grant applications
Personal Attributes
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Essential
Ability to work independently, and as part of a team;
Enthusiasm, confidence, creative thinking ability and commitment to public engagement;
Good organisational and project management skills
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9. Dimensions
The Administrative Data Research Centre Scotland (ADRC-S), one of four new UK research centres
supported by the ESRC as part of its programme of investment in ‘big data’ research. Its aim is to
make the data generated in government administrative systems available for research purposes,
whilst preserving anonymity and with a robust governance framework. This is underpinned by a
range of strategic, technological, legal and public engagement activities. ADRC-S is led by the
University of Edinburgh and with an operational base at the Edinburgh BioQuarter but with
investigators distributed across several collaborating universities. All four regional ADRCs are
supported by a coordinating hub at the University of Essex, which leads the Administrative Data
Research Service. Together these form the Administrative Data Research Network.
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10. Job Context and any other relevant information
The post presents an excellent opportunity to work with a team of people committed to developing
new and exciting methods of public engagement in research and to embed public engagement in
every stage of the ADRC’s development. There will also be opportunities to develop grant
applications, publications, conference presentations and a social media presence.
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Some travel is expected, both for the public engagement activities and attending project meetings
and conferences elsewhere.
Salary
The role is grade UE07 and attracts an annual salary of £31,342 to £37,394 for 35 hours each week
(pro-rated for part timers). Salary is paid monthly by direct transfer to your Bank or Building Society
account, normally on the 28th of the month. Salaries for part-time staff are calculated on the fulltime scales, pro-rata to the Standard Working Week.
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This post is available on a fixed term basis, part time with a working pattern of 28 hours
per week for 3 years.