Research Fellow at University of Stirling

The Post

The University of Stirling are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and highly motivated experienced Research Fellow (Grade 8) to join a multi-disciplinary team on a Chief Scientist Office (CSO) funded study entitled Scotland’s first Managed Alcohol Programme: evaluating the impact to inform future service delivery and research. This two-year study will use mixed methods to evaluate Scotland’s first Managed Alcohol Programme (MAP), opened by Simon Community Scotland in Glasgow in September 2021. The study will involve four work packages: 1) a realist review of the MAPs literature to understand what works, for whom and in what circumstances; 2) longitudinal quantitative data collection with MAP residents and locally matched controls to understand their alcohol use and physical and mental health; 3) the use of PhotoVoice and semi-structured interviews to understand the experiences of MAP residents; and 4) semi-structured interviews with MAP staff, local residents/business owners and other relevant stakeholders to understand perceptions/experiences of the MAP. The study findings will inform current and future service delivery and a future large-scale trial of MAPs.

The role will involve day-to-day management of the study, including building and maintaining good relationships and ongoing communication with all participants; quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis; management of the study Learning Alliance group; conducting a realist literature review; management of study budget; and write up and dissemination of findings. The successful candidate will have a PhD in a relevant topic, experience of working with marginalised groups including those experiencing homelessness and/or problem alcohol use, and experience of managing complex studies with large research teams. Excellent planning, organisational and communication skills are also vital.

Description of Duties

• Support the study lead and research team to deliver the study in accordance with the terms of the grant and protocol, and ensure its successful day-to-day management
• Recruit and consent participants into the study and maintain good relationships with managers and staff across study sites
• Develop excellent working relationships with the study Learning Alliance (advisory group) to ensure their active and meaningful involvement in the study
• Manage the project budget proactively with the study lead

Essential Criteria