Research Consultant

Job Description

JOB PURPOSE:  

The successful candidate of this exciting new post will write a grant application to Northern Ireland, Chest Heart and Stroke (NICHS); designing a feasibility study (with a control group) of compassionate, mindfulness, resilience (CMR) with carers of children and  / or young people with congenital heart disease (CHD).  The successful candidate will become an active member of the research team assisting in the planning of the study so that the grant application will be submitted and will hopefully be successful. 

The post will involve working with the principle investigator, Dr Patricia Carlisle (SSESW), the research team including Professor Helen Noble,  Dr Anna Wilson and Dr Clare McKeaveney (all of whom are based within the School of Nursing and Midwifery), and other external stake holders. 

Summary of project:

CHD is considered the most common cause of significant congenital abnormalities affecting new-born children worldwide. Carers of children and young people with CHD are more vulnerable to psychological and social distress.  Compromised carer mental health, if left un-recognised and untreated, can negatively impact a carer’s ability to care for their child and result in long term cognitive, health-related, and behavioural problems in children and young people with CHD.   Literature indicates the need for interventions for carer’s of children and young people with CHD which address the negative psychosocial impact of this chronic condition.   Existing research details the potential value of mindfulness in treated parenting stress.  Compassionate, Mindful, Resilience (CMR) is a 4-week online MBI developed by Mindfulness UK.  This study aims to adapt the CMR programme for carers of children and/ or young people with CHD, to deliver it to carers, and to explore its feasibility in this population.  To date no published study has examined the impact of CMR for this group of carers.  The study fits within the research aim of NICHS's  Strategic Plan 2023-2026 which is to “to find better ways to prevent, treat and care for people affected by chest, heart and stroke illnesses”(NICHS, 2023: 11). 

About the role of Post Doctoral Research Assistant:

The post will involve:conducting a rapid scoping review to frame the rationale for the study; engaging with the PPI group; engaging with clinical experts in paediatric cardiology; designing the feasibility study  with a control group; developing a qualitative element to the study; developing relevant outcome measures; supporting the costing of the study and; undertaking additional elements included in the grant application.  The successful candidate will be expected to work within a multidisciplinary team and external organisations and charities.

Time commitment:

The PDRA’s contribution will run for 3 months at appointment or until 31st August August 2024, whichever is soonest.   This work package is funded by the University’s Agility Fund.    

ESSENTIAL

Education and Qualifications

Have, or be about to obtain* a PhD in a relevant social science or healthcare discipline closely aligned with SSESW.  (*must be obtained within 3 months of the closing date for the post).  

Experience - Research and Associated Activities

Significant, relevant research experience within the area of chest, heart or stroke

Proven ability to manage a research project.

Experience of designing and / or undertaking feasibility studies with a qualitative element. 

Experience of undertaking rapid scoping review of literature.

Experience of writing grant application

DESIRABLE

Experience and/or training in project management.

Experience and/or training in patient and public involvement in research.

Experience of working or research in chest, heart and stroke

Experience of working in a research team (including remotely).

Record of publication in health research journals

Management, Administration, and Contribution to the Community.

Ability to contribute to broader management and administrative processes.

Contribute to the School’s outreach programme by links with industry, community groups etc

Other Skills/Knowledge

Evidence of good organisational and administrative skills.

Sufficient breadth and depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.

Excellent IT skills.

DESIRABLE - Knowledge of chest, heart and stroke research. Knowledge of carer experience

Presentation

Ability to write research reports and publish papers in the peer reviewed literature.

Ability to communicate with a range of disciplines/professions.

Ability to communicate complex information clearly.

Ability to communicate complex information clearly.

Ability to build contacts and participate in internal and external networks.

DESIRABLE - Ability to participate and initiate research collaborations with wide range of stakeholders.

Personal Qualities

Demonstrable intellectual ability.

Ability to assess and organise resources.

Ability to build contacts and participate in internal and external networks.

Demonstrable intellectual ability.

Ability to assess and organise resources

The following describes the type of work that is typically required of research staff at this level. It is not expected that anyone carries out all the activities mentioned below and some carry out additional duties.

Develop and plan research under supervision within the “CMR CHD Carer” research project as a member of the research team.

Undertake rapid scoping review of relevant literature (including methodological) to infrom the study design, appropriate to this area of research

Draft the NICHS grant application and report to the Research Team

Support and organise the research advisory group which will include a internal and external stakeholders

Support PPI representatives as appropriate within the grant application

Support EDI awareness as appropriate within the grant application

Present regular progress reports on grant writing to members of the research group

Draft, often in consultation with the PI, material for publication in national and international journals.

Assist Research Team in the preparation of the grant application

Carry out routine administrative tasks which support the grant application process is completed on time and within budget

Read academic journals, papers and textbooks to keep abreast of developments in this area of interest and related disciplines.

PLANNING AND ORGANISING:

Plan for specific aspects of the grant writing process.  The application is due Monday 19th August at 4pm. 

Plan for the proposed research

Plan own day-to day activity within framework of the agreed grant application

Plan to draft scoping review for journal publication.

Coordinate and liaise with other members of the research group over work progress.

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES ((e.g. finance, people, equipment, etc):

Ensure Agility Fund resource if used in an effective and efficient manner.

Provide updates to Research Team to ensure grant is submitted on time and within budget.  

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Liaise on a regular basis with colleagues.

Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaboration.

Engage in scholarly activity if relevant to grant application process

Contribute to writing grant process.

Supervise the work of more junior staff.

Manage personal administrative tasks related to own work.

Contribute to the effective management and administration of the School.