Last updated: / Oct 2015

JOB DESCRIPTION

Post title: / Research Fellow
Academic Unit/Service: / NIHR Evaluations, Trials and Studies Co-ordinating Centre (NETSCC), Wessex Institute
Faculty: / Faculty of Medicine
Career Pathway: / Education, Research and Enterprise (ERE) / Level: / 4
*ERE category: / Research pathway
Posts responsible to: / Senior Research Fellow or Senior Research Manager
Posts responsible for:
Post base: / Office-based
Job purpose
To undertake literature searching, consultation with advisors and medical/scientific writing in order to support the identification, development and prioritisation of research questions which are important to the NHS. These research questions are then advertised in order for external research teams to be commissioned to complete the research projects.
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities / % Time /
1.  / The amount of time spent on each activity will vary.
a.  Identify research topics within the remit of the programmes based at NETSCC. This will involve abstracting and clarifying suggestions and recommendations for research from the literature, guidance documents and by networking with individuals and appropriate groups of experts. This work will also include contribution to new developments around how we identify topics to meet the needs of the Programmes.
b.  To prepare briefing papers by: identifying and critically appraising existing literature on the current evidence base for the intervention in question. Use established systems to identify ongoing research projects in these arears of interest, establish contact with the clinical community to clarify the importance of the research to patients, the NHS or other important stakeholders.
c.  Carry out analysis of the funded portfolio.
d.  Carry out research focused tasked around research management.
e.  Attend external meetings to represent the NIHR, to network with experts or to facilitate groups to develop and identify new research topics.
f.  To engage with the on-going evaluation of our research management processes, to be flexible and able to adapt to change and implement necessary changes to processes to ensure the highest quality outputs. / 90 %
2.  / The post holder will need to attend a range of meetings and to undertake some administrative responsibilities, as appropriate to the needs of the organisation. / 5 %
3.  / Any other duties as allocated by the line manager suitable to this post. / 5 %
Internal and external relationships /
Internal: Senior Scientific/Clinical Advisors, Senior Programme Managers, Senior Research Fellows, Research Fellows, Programme Managers, Information Scientists, Administrators and other NETSCC colleagues.
External: Chairs of advisory boards, board members, panel members, experts and public groups. Other individuals and organisations on an ad hoc basis.
Special Requirements /
The post holder will need to be able to attend whole day meetings in London and other locations in the UK and occasionally stay overnight to facilitate this when required.
Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Criteria / Essential / Desirable / How to be assessed
Qualifications, knowledge and experience / PhD or equivalent professional qualifications and experience in in health research
Knowledge of, and/or demonstrable skills in one or more of: critical appraisal, evidence based health or social care, systematic reviewing or literature searching skills
Writing reports on technical / clinical / scientific matters
Experience of planning, carrying out and completing a research project / Awareness of the NIHR and its funding Programmes
Familiarity with statistical analysis
Awareness or understanding of research methodologies / Application and Interview
Planning and organising / Ability to manage own workload proactively and to work to multiple deadlines
Ability to network and liaise with external contacts and organisations to seek timely expert input in order to meet deadlines / Experience of coordinating work with external contacts and organisations. / Application and Interview
Problem solving and initiative / Able to develop understanding of complex problems and apply in-depth knowledge to address them / Application and Interview
Management and teamwork / Work effectively in a team, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of others to help teamwork development / Application and Interview
Communicating and influencing / Communicate new and complex information effectively, both verbally and in writing, engaging the interest and enthusiasm of the target audience which could be from a range of backgrounds
Ability to write concisely and clearly on technical subjects and prepare reports quickly
The ability to work with people from a wide variety of academic disciplines and other backgrounds / Application and Interview
Other skills and behaviours / Numeracy and good skills in word processing.
Demonstrate a commitment to work hard towards the goals of NIHR and NETSCC.
Adaptability/flexibility to work in a changing environment. / Application and Interview
Special requirements / Ability to attend meetings outside Southampton which may require the occasional overnight stay away from Southampton
To be flexible and prepared to provide cover within or across NETSCC as required / Application and Interview

JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS

Is this an office-based post?

☒ Yes / If this post is an office-based job with routine office hazards (eg: use of VDU), no further information needs to be supplied. Do not complete the section below.
☐ No / If this post is not office-based or has some hazards other than routine office (eg: more than use of VDU) please complete the analysis below.
Hiring managers are asked to complete this section as accurately as possible to ensure the safety of the post-holder.

## - HR will send a full PEHQ to all applicants for this position. Please note, if full health clearance is required for a role, this will apply to all individuals, including existing members of staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES / Occasionally
(<30% of time) / Frequently
(30-60% of time) / Constantly
(> 60% of time)
Outside work
Extremes of temperature (eg: fridge/ furnace)
## Potential for exposure to body fluids
## Noise (greater than 80 dba - 8 hrs twa)
## Exposure to hazardous substances (eg: solvents, liquids, dust, fumes, biohazards). Specify below:
Frequent hand washing
Ionising radiation
EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/MACHINES USED
## Food handling
## Driving university vehicles(eg: car/van/LGV/PCV)
## Use of latex gloves (prohibited unless specific clinical necessity)
## Vibrating tools (eg: strimmers, hammer drill, lawnmowers)
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
Load manual handling
Repetitive crouching/kneeling/stooping
Repetitive pulling/pushing
Repetitive lifting
Standing for prolonged periods
Repetitive climbing (ie: steps, stools, ladders, stairs)
Fine motor grips (eg: pipetting)
Gross motor grips
Repetitive reaching below shoulder height
Repetitive reaching at shoulder height
Repetitive reaching above shoulder height
PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES
Face to face contact with public
Lone working
## Shift work/night work/on call duties

Template Job Description - ERE Level 4 – Research Pathway – Research Fellow4