Quantitative Research Fellow (Coastal Classification)

Based in the Faculty of Health, the Peninsula Medical School is committed to three core aims: outstanding clinical education; strong social engagement; and world-class research which all feature strongly in the student learning experience. A key strength is a close relationship with NHS partners, with early clinical contact for all students. The South West offers healthcare and learning opportunities of exceptional quality; Derriford is one of Europe’s largest hospitals and the only trauma centre in Devon and Cornwall. A further strength is our scholarly approach to education, supported by the Division of Education Scholarship. The Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research is the core of research activity, providing a thriving community that conducts adventurous world-leading research with the explicit purpose of improving the health and care of the populations we serve.

As part of a 3-year ESRC-funded protect titled “Understanding the research and policy needs of English coastal communities: a new coastal classification” we are seeking to appoint a Research Fellow with quantitative data analytical skills and experience of aggregating, linking, and interrogating geospatial and small area data.

You will play a key role collating a wide range of economic, social, demographic, environmental and administrative data at small area level and, using a variety of statistical methodologies, will explore (a) the distinctive attributes of coastal communities and the extent to which the challenges they face are related to their coastal location and identity, and (b) the ways in which contextual factors affect outcomes relating to health, education, social mobility and other socio-economic domains in different coastal localities.

The project will engage with stakeholders (including the ONS) to develop a classification of coastal communities to support applied actionable research and policy development. This will be informed by the analytical work undertaken by the Research Fellow, who will be expected to play a significant role communicating their findings to stakeholders; in person, though briefing documents, and through a user-orientated web-based interface to data and project findings.

You will join colleagues at the University of Plymouth’s Centre for Coastal Communities (CfCC). Led by Professors Asthana and Agarwal, the CfCC aims to produce world leading research to help foster measurable improvements to the lives of those living in coastal communities in the South-West, the UK and worldwide. The CfCC brings together over 30 academic staff and has developed a strong external profile. The CfCC was the first of its kind in the UK and has played an important role in raising awareness of the coastal dimension to economic, health and education inequalities.

You will be based within the internationally renowned Peninsula Medical School and must have a PhD in a relevant subject, an equivalent international qualification, or a commensurate level of recognition or experience in the private or public sector. You will need excellent communication and team-working skills.

There is an essential requirement within this role that you will be required to travel to and work at different University sites and/or other business locations that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Please refer to the job description for further information.

Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement

For an informal discussion about the role then please contact Dr Alex Gibson by email at [email protected]  

Interviews are likely to take place week commencing 11 March 2024 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.

This is a part-time position working 22 hours per week on a fixed-term basis for a period of 24 months due to funding.

This post may be suitable for remote working although meetings at the University of Plymouth and with stakeholders nationally will be required. Flexible working options including job share will be considered.

We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.  A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here .

The Faculty of Health holds a Silver Athena Swan Award and the University holds a Bronze Athena SWAN Award which recognises commitment to advancing women’s careers in STEMM academia.

Staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria.

The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our three strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.

The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages

We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+

Job Description