Research Officer1x full-time, temporary position, covering a period of maternity leave(Up to 12 months) Closing Date:Completed Application Forms must be received byWednesday 25th September 2024 by 4.00pm Job Title: Research Officer (full-time, temporary) Reporting to: Head of Research and Development Location: Middletown Centre for Autism, Co Armagh Job Purpose: Work with the Head of Research and Development to carry out the essential work of the Research and Information Service in Middletown Centre for Autism. Main Duties: Managing Strategy / Policy Contribute to and support the Centres research and information function and promote the work of the Centre Contribute to the continuing development of the Centres research work in partnership with the Centres funding Departments and research partners Contribute to the Centres ongoing research governance framework Managing Services To encourage a climate of continuous learning and improvement to achieve standards of excellence Develop, maintain and conduct ongoing analysis on a series of data bases Produce comprehensive reports for the Senior Management Team and Board of Directors of the Centre. Design and implement research projects and use research findings to develop resources relevant to the autism community, policy makers and other critical stakeholders. Managing People Develop and maintain positive links with Universities and research agencies, nationally and internationally Contribute to the Centres graduate programmes Manage research meetings and other meetings as appropriate and any action points arising from them Liaise with the Centres funding Departments and other stakeholders to ensure the effective communication of and response to stakeholders research requirements. Work closely with the Centres Learning Support and Assessment Service in order to deliver comprehensive follow-up data on children and young people referred to the Centre. Managing Resources On-going management and administration of a range of information data bases Development of new online resources and apps Maintaining the Centres library and online information resources Contribute to the compilation and circulation of an autism research bulletin and the Centres autism journal Deliver and undertake training (as appropriate) when required. Analytical Skills Contribute to the development of research projects including contributing to research method, engaging in data collection and analysis and conducting literature searches Support the preparation of publications Assimilate, evaluate and interpret complex or conflicting data and different perspectives Provide objective advice based on sound evidence and analysis, and a thorough understanding of statutory requirements. Communication Skills Interact and maintain positive links with the Centres stakeholders Promote excellent communication and working relationships with the Centres Learning Support and Assessment Service and Training Division Communicate the results of research findings. Eligibility criteria: Applicants must be able to demonstrate the following by the closing date: A degree or equivalent third level qualification in research methods, psychology, education or health related discipline and working knowledge of issues related to autism A post graduate level qualification in research methods, psychology, education or a health related discipline A demonstrable track record of achievement in producing or contributing to high quality research Experience of conducting literature searches and reviews and also of working with follow-up and case study data Experience of research governance and associated ethical considerations. Desirable Criteria: If a large number of applications are received, it may be necessary to carry out a further shortlisting exercise to reduce the number of candidates to be invited for interview. In such circumstances the following desirable criteria may be assessed as part of the written shortlisting exercise: Holding, or working towards, a PhD Other post graduate qualification Publication(s) in a peer reviewed journal Experience in the preparation and dissemination of information and using complex statistical analysis Applicants must be able to demonstrate their competence in the following areas: Managing Strategy / Policy Experience of contributing to the formulation of strategy and the policies of the organisation. Experience of using research to contribute to policy and strategy formulation. Managing Services Evidence of contributing to the development and delivery of research programmes and projects including case study research Experience of implementing procedures to support research ethics and best practice Experience of developing resources from the results of research projects Managing People Proven ability of working as part of a team to ensure team performance meets or exceeds all key performance indicators Proven ability to build productive working relationships with a range of stakeholders internally and externally, readily sharing ideas and information with others. Managing Resources Demonstrable ability to plan, prioritise and manage a range of resources to deliver programmes/projects within agreed timescale Proven skills in the manipulation and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data. Analytical Skills Demonstrable experience in analysing complex information and making criteria based decisions, whilst influencing and gaining the commitment of others. Communication Proven ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, tailoring content to the target audience. SUMMARY OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT Salary: This post is being offered at points 32 35 of the JNC Salary Scale, currently £40,221 - £43,421. (pro-rata for part time staff). Contract Type: 1xfull-time temporary position, up to 12 months to provide Maternity Leave cover. Location: The post holder will mainly work in Northern Ireland and Ireland when required. There may also be a requirement to travel throughout Northern Ireland and Ireland to meet the needs of the Centre. Contracted Hours: Full time -37 Hours per week, Monday to Friday Continuous Service: The Centre will recognise anyprevious service in any of the organisations included in Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government, etc.) (Modification) Order (Northern Ireland) 1999. This includes any service within education. Annual Leave: 23 days per annum, rising to 30 days after 5 years continuous service, plus public and privilege holidays (previous continuous service within education will be recognised). Pension: Middletown Centre for Autism is a member of NILGOSC pension scheme. Successful applicants are eligible to contribute to this scheme. Teachers wishing to continue contributions to the NI Teachers Superannuation Scheme may continue to do so while in employment at Middletown Centre for Autism. Probationary Period: The post holder will normally be required to serve a six-month probationary period. Candidates with a disability who require assistance will be facilitated upon request. Candidates who wish to receive application forms and information packs in accessible formats are requested to advise Middletown Centre for Autism of their requirements as promptly as possible allowing for the fact that the closing date for receipt remains the same for all applicants as noted above. Middletown Centre for Autism is an equal opportunities employer