Research Fellow (Place and Wellbeing)

Research Fellow (Place and Wellbeing) Apply Post Details

Full time and Part time positions available Fixed term until 31 December 2026

£37,099 - £44,263 p.a. pro-rata

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 26 May 2024. Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 12 June 2024.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

This role will require membership of the PVG scheme. An offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory outcome of this process.

For the purposes of sponsorship, this is a postdoctoral role and may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances under SOC code 2119.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

The Post

The Partnership Project Everywhere in the world people organize in relation to water. Its resources and assets provide essential 'goods' and 'services' and huge opportunities for the economy, society and communities. Harnessing these productively is a key route to optimising growth, value and community outcomes, as well as meeting important environmental goals.

This post is part of a £5m Local Policy Innovation Partnership (LPIP) project funded by UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) over 3 years to explore these issues in the Forth Water Basin in Scotland. The Partnership, called ‘FORTH2O', involves six Universities and Institutes, as well as over eighty stakeholder partners (including Scottish Government, Scottish Water and SEPA). This is a hugely exciting opportunity to make a real difference for the health and wealth of our businesses, communities, and natural ecosystems. Through a range of innovative core projects; challenge, innovation and living ‘labs'; and a commissioning fund of £1.2m to support new activity, the partnership will play a vital role in ‘optimising outcomes' from the water system.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Research Fellow with a strong background in a relevant discipline to support Local Policy Innovation Partnership in the Forth Water Basin (LPIP/‘FORTH2O')'s work on place and wellbeing. The Research Fellow will be centrally involved in all aspects of this work including project development, partner engagement, data collection and management, data analysis and dissemination of findings in a variety of formats for different audiences. In particular, the post holder will take the lead in building, developing and delivering effective research strategies to answer questions across the FWB such as:

(i) How can sensitive and sensible land use, planning and regeneration support place- identity and inclusive growth? (ii) How can the interactions of human and natural systems be optimised for ‘healthy' outcomes?

Additional Information:

This role will be based primarily on campus at the University of Stirling, but will involve agile working within the University framework, including working away from the office as required to engage effectively with partners and stakeholders.

Full time but part time applications are also welcome and will be considered together to create an overall 1FTE role – please note what working arrangements you wish to undertake in your letter of application.

Please see the attached job description for full details of the role.

Description of Duties

Manage the day-to-day work of the Partnership on place and wellbeing issues, and take a lead in data collection and analysis

Initiate and develop research objectives, projects, and proposals which contribute to the above, using qualitative, quantitative and mixed methodologies, including identifying and recruiting a diversity of research participants

Contribute to a review and analysis of relevant policy

Assist in the design, delivery and administration of two ‘Policy Challenge Labs' (Place and Natural Capital; Health and Wellbeing), including supervision of lab-specific research consultants

Contribute to the development and delivery of the project's urban, rural, coastal and regional ‘Living Labs'

Create and maintain good lines of communication with research partners, key stakeholders and research participants throughout the project

Resolve problems of meeting research objectives and deadlines

Assess, interpret and evaluate outcomes of the Partnership's place and wellbeing research, in accordance with the project's Theory of Change and evaluation protocols

Develop new concepts and ideas to extend intellectual understanding, and contribute to the production of high-quality journal publications

Disseminate research findings via conference presentations or using other appropriate media/online methods (such as webinars and short lay briefings), ensuring quality of evidence assessment and translation for practice

Routinely communicate complex and conceptual ideas to those with limited knowledge and understanding as well as to peers using high-level skills and a range of media (including contributions to the social media profile of the project)

Lead the writing of update reports to funders, and organise or attend meetings and events, as directed by the Project Principal Investigator and Work Package Lead

Support LPIP/FORTH2O colleagues and partners in developing and delivering knowledge transfer and capacity building activities

Ensure secure storage and back up of data in compliance with appropriate regulations and the Data Management Plan

Maintain appropriate project records

Work closely with the Research Partnership Manager to ensure effective management of relevant aspects of the project budget

Support the Project Principal Investigator and Work Package Team with other tasks commensurate with the role

The post holder will work with a large team to ensure the successful implementation of the project, building strong relationships with internal and external networks. This will mean supporting appropriate projects and working groups to ensure that agreed actions linked to innovation opportunities are implemented. Most closely, this will include working with the Project Principal Investigator, Work Package Lead and five further academic WP Team members, as well as the Research Partnership Manager and Research Partnership Officer. Numerous stakeholder partners will also assist in these aspects of the Partnership's work (including Scottish Government, seven local authorities, Scottish Water, SEPA, three health boards, Public Health Scotland, Sustrans, NatureScot, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Greenspace Scotland, RSPB Scotland, WWF Scotland, and various others).

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

PhD in a relevant discipline (or extensive research and knowledge exchange experience to a demonstrated equivalent level)

Knowledge/experience

Experience of successfully conducting high quality place-based and/or wellbeing research, both independently and collaboratively within strict timescales

Experience delivering research projects with innovative impact and high- quality evaluation

Sustained experience of original research and high-quality publications, including significant outputs of internationally excellent standing

Comprehensive understanding of evidence reviewing for implementation

Experience of effective collection, analysis, and management of data

Experience of effective presentation of data to a range of audiences, including the ability to engage with policy and practice at all levels

Experience of developing and delivering knowledge exchange activities

Skills/attributes

Have excellent collaboration skills with a diverse range of research partners. Be comfortable talking to a wide range of other stakeholders including policymakers

Have strong attention to detail, including excellent organisation and planning skills, and experience in prioritising multiple tasks and meeting significant deadlines

Be able to critically assess, interpret and evaluate the outcomes of research

Have excellent communication (written and verbal) and other research dissemination skills, including presentation and social media skills

Be skilled in communicating complex and conceptual ideas to those without specialist knowledge in the field

Desirable Criteria

Professional qualification in a place-based or wellbeing role

Experience of co-production in research and knowledge exchange

Confidence in the use of relevant software, such as Microsoft 365, SPSS/STATA, Nvivo, GIS

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

Managing self and personal skills Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

Delivering excellent service Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

Finding solutions Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Embracing change Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

Using resources effectively Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

Engaging with the wider context Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

Developing self and others Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

Working together Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Achieving Results Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

The University

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.

More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 140 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The University – also home to 1,700 staff – is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for its campus environment (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two). Ranked first in the UK and top five in the world for its sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), Stirling is Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence. Its world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University's sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.

The University has twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

The University is a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and a central partner of the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership. www. stir.ac.uk @stiruni

Available documents

01. Job DescriptionResearch Fellow (FAC01943).docx

Job number

FAC01943

Contract Type

Fixed Term Contract

Posting End Date

26-May-2024

Location:

Stirling Campus

Grade

Grade7 £37,099-£44,263 p.a.

Faculty/Service

Faculty of Social Sciences Post Details

Full time and Part time positions available Fixed term until 31 December 2026

£37,099 - £44,263 p.a. pro-rata

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 26 May 2024. Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 12 June 2024.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

This role will require membership of the PVG scheme. An offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory outcome of this process.

For the purposes of sponsorship, this is a postdoctoral role and may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances under SOC code 2119.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

The Post

The Partnership Project Everywhere in the world people organize in relation to water. Its resources and assets provide essential 'goods' and 'services' and huge opportunities for the economy, society and communities. Harnessing these productively is a key route to optimising growth, value and community outcomes, as well as meeting important environmental goals.

This post is part of a £5m Local Policy Innovation Partnership (LPIP) project funded by UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) over 3 years to explore these issues in the Forth Water Basin in Scotland. The Partnership, called ‘FORTH2O', involves six Universities and Institutes, as well as over eighty stakeholder partners (including Scottish Government, Scottish Water and SEPA). This is a hugely exciting opportunity to make a real difference for the health and wealth of our businesses, communities, and natural ecosystems. Through a range of innovative core projects; challenge, innovation and living ‘labs'; and a commissioning fund of £1.2m to support new activity, the partnership will play a vital role in ‘optimising outcomes' from the water system.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Research Fellow with a strong background in a relevant discipline to support Local Policy Innovation Partnership in the Forth Water Basin (LPIP/‘FORTH2O')'s work on place and wellbeing. The Research Fellow will be centrally involved in all aspects of this work including project development, partner engagement, data collection and management, data analysis and dissemination of findings in a variety of formats for different audiences. In particular, the post holder will take the lead in building, developing and delivering effective research strategies to answer questions across the FWB such as:

(i) How can sensitive and sensible land use, planning and regeneration support place- identity and inclusive growth? (ii) How can the interactions of human and natural systems be optimised for ‘healthy' outcomes?

Additional Information:

This role will be based primarily on campus at the University of Stirling, but will involve agile working within the University framework, including working away from the office as required to engage effectively with partners and stakeholders.

Full time but part time applications are also welcome and will be considered together to create an overall 1FTE role – please note what working arrangements you wish to undertake in your letter of application.

Please see the attached job description for full details of the role.

Description of Duties

Manage the day-to-day work of the Partnership on place and wellbeing issues, and take a lead in data collection and analysis

Initiate and develop research objectives, projects, and proposals which contribute to the above, using qualitative, quantitative and mixed methodologies, including identifying and recruiting a diversity of research participants

Contribute to a review and analysis of relevant policy

Assist in the design, delivery and administration of two ‘Policy Challenge Labs' (Place and Natural Capital; Health and Wellbeing), including supervision of lab-specific research consultants

Contribute to the development and delivery of the project's urban, rural, coastal and regional ‘Living Labs'

Create and maintain good lines of communication with research partners, key stakeholders and research participants throughout the project

Resolve problems of meeting research objectives and deadlines

Assess, interpret and evaluate outcomes of the Partnership's place and wellbeing research, in accordance with the project's Theory of Change and evaluation protocols

Develop new concepts and ideas to extend intellectual understanding, and contribute to the production of high-quality journal publications

Disseminate research findings via conference presentations or using other appropriate media/online methods (such as webinars and short lay briefings), ensuring quality of evidence assessment and translation for practice

Routinely communicate complex and conceptual ideas to those with limited knowledge and understanding as well as to peers using high-level skills and a range of media (including contributions to the social media profile of the project)

Lead the writing of update reports to funders, and organise or attend meetings and events, as directed by the Project Principal Investigator and Work Package Lead

Support LPIP/FORTH2O colleagues and partners in developing and delivering knowledge transfer and capacity building activities

Ensure secure storage and back up of data in compliance with appropriate regulations and the Data Management Plan

Maintain appropriate project records

Work closely with the Research Partnership Manager to ensure effective management of relevant aspects of the project budget

Support the Project Principal Investigator and Work Package Team with other tasks commensurate with the role

The post holder will work with a large team to ensure the successful implementation of the project, building strong relationships with internal and external networks. This will mean supporting appropriate projects and working groups to ensure that agreed actions linked to innovation opportunities are implemented. Most closely, this will include working with the Project Principal Investigator, Work Package Lead and five further academic WP Team members, as well as the Research Partnership Manager and Research Partnership Officer. Numerous stakeholder partners will also assist in these aspects of the Partnership's work (including Scottish Government, seven local authorities, Scottish Water, SEPA, three health boards, Public Health Scotland, Sustrans, NatureScot, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Greenspace Scotland, RSPB Scotland, WWF Scotland, and various others).

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

PhD in a relevant discipline (or extensive research and knowledge exchange experience to a demonstrated equivalent level)

Knowledge/experience

Experience of successfully conducting high quality place-based and/or wellbeing research, both independently and collaboratively within strict timescales

Experience delivering research projects with innovative impact and high- quality evaluation

Sustained experience of original research and high-quality publications, including significant outputs of internationally excellent standing

Comprehensive understanding of evidence reviewing for implementation

Experience of effective collection, analysis, and management of data

Experience of effective presentation of data to a range of audiences, including the ability to engage with policy and practice at all levels

Experience of developing and delivering knowledge exchange activities

Skills/attributes

Have excellent collaboration skills with a diverse range of research partners. Be comfortable talking to a wide range of other stakeholders including policymakers

Have strong attention to detail, including excellent organisation and planning skills, and experience in prioritising multiple tasks and meeting significant deadlines

Be able to critically assess, interpret and evaluate the outcomes of research

Have excellent communication (written and verbal) and other research dissemination skills, including presentation and social media skills

Be skilled in communicating complex and conceptual ideas to those without specialist knowledge in the field

Desirable Criteria

Professional qualification in a place-based or wellbeing role

Experience of co-production in research and knowledge exchange

Confidence in the use of relevant software, such as Microsoft 365, SPSS/STATA, Nvivo, GIS

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

Managing self and personal skills Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

Delivering excellent service Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

Finding solutions Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Embracing change Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

Using resources effectively Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

Engaging with the wider context Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

Developing self and others Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

Working together Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Achieving Results Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

The University

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.

More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 140 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The University – also home to 1,700 staff – is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for its campus environment (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two). Ranked first in the UK and top five in the world for its sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), Stirling is Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence. Its world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University's sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.

The University has twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

The University is a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and a central partner of the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership. www. stir.ac.uk @stiruni

Available documents

01. Job DescriptionResearch Fellow (FAC01943).docx