Pay Level: 7 Contract Type: 2 Year Fixed Term Contract Working Hours: 37 per Week The closing date for applications is midnight on: Friday 13th December 2024 Interviews will be held week commencing: 16th December November What you’ll be doing: We are looking to appoint a highly skilled and motivated Local Authority Research Practitioner to join our dynamic Public Health team. This role will support the Head of Research, Insight, and Data in developing and implementing a comprehensive research governance framework across the council, focusing on building research capacity, facilitating strategic collaborations, and securing external funding to advance public health initiatives. The successful candidate will work with colleagues across the directorate to foster a research-active culture within the council, leading collaborative research projects, and ensuring that evidence-based practices are at the core of our public health decision-making. You will work closely with higher education institutions, public health networks, NHS partners, and community organisations to drive research that addresses local health priorities and informs public policy. Key Responsibilities: Support the development and implementation of a research governance framework across the council, with associated training and capacity-building initiatives. Lead strategic collaborations with academic institutions, public health networks, voluntary sector organisations, and NHS partners to identify and secure external funding for public health research projects. Design and deliver targeted training programs to build research skills among council staff and promote a culture of continuous learning and development. Facilitate the creation of local communities of practice that bring together NHS, local authority, and academic teams to support research and evaluation. Oversee the monitoring and evaluation of research projects, ensuring that outcomes are effectively communicated and inform future public health strategies. Lead and support the development and submission of significant research proposals to external funders, positioning the council for future grant opportunities. Present research findings at national, regional, or international levels to raise the council's research profile The role is part funded by the NIHR RSS Specialist Centre for Public Health, and the postholder will be expected to actively promote, support and contribute to the activity of the NHR RSS Specialist Centre for Public Health, alongside their work within the Council Your Skills: Proven experience in public health research, with a strong understanding of research governance, ethical frameworks, and best practices. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build partnerships and engage with diverse stakeholders, including academic institutions, community groups, and healthcare organisations. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to interpret data, evaluate research outcomes, and develop evidence-based strategies. Demonstrated ability to secure external funding through successful grant writing and knowledge of funding bodies like NIHR and the Wellcome Trust. Proficiency in project management, with the ability to lead research initiatives, manage timelines, and coordinate resources effectively. A Master's degree in Public Health, Research Methods, or a related field (or working towards this qualification) is essential. Our offer to you: Enhance your research and leadership skills This role will enable you to showcase your skills and experience, making a difference to people’s lives in Slough; and we’ll encourage you to develop and grow too Slough boasts an inclusive culture, being the most ethnically diverse area outside London. There are 150 different languages spoken in the Borough and we are proud to have a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We have excellent road and rail links, and the opening of the New Elizabeth Line means that your travel to Slough will be quicker, easier, and more convenient regardless of where you live. Our excellent benefits package also includes: Generous Pension 25 days’ holiday in addition to bank holidays, rising to a maximum of 32 days, after 5 years’ service A variety of retail and leisure discount schemes 24/7 access to Employee Assistance Programme Cycle to Work Scheme Health Promotion days A wide range of learning and development opportunities Interested? For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Janet Ige, Public Health Lead at Janet.Igeslough.gov.uk Right to Work: All applicants must have a valid right to work in the UK. If you require sponsorship, please contact Recruitmentslough.gov.uk before submitting an application. Interested? We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If appointed, all posts will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks. Slough Borough Council is an inclusive employer and we encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We select staff on merit and we foster a workforce where people are valued, and represents the local communities that we serve. Slough Borough Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We want our application process to be open and accessible. If you wish to make your application in an alternative format, please email Recruitmentslough.gov.uk quoting the job reference – our Accessibility Statement has more information. How to Apply: Please click on the apply button below to submit your application. We look forward to hearing from you Join our team at Slough Borough Council and help accelerate our journey of transformation and growth The Council reserves the right to close adverts early should we receive a number of suitable applications.