Research Fellow (Learning Disability and/or Autism) - (7458)

 Fellowship Opportunity: in Learning Disability and/or Autism

Learning Disability and Autism Research Group at Manchester Metropolitan:

The Learning Disability and Autism Research Group is part of the Department of Social Care and Social Work, with almost 50 members of staff and undergraduate, postgraduate and degree apprenticeship programmes in social work and social care. The group comprises of international experts in wide-ranging areas related to learning disability and autism including love and intimacy, digital use, everyday lives and belonging, growing older, the mental wellbeing of older family carers, experiences of social care on the margins and health inequalities.

We have strong networks and links across the UK with self-advocacy groups, family carers, third sector organisations in health and social care, the Care Quality Commission, NHS England, politicians, policy makers, human rights experts and journalists. We also work extensively with colleagues across the UK and internationally including colleagues at Trinity College Dublin, the University of New South Wales Australia, Queens University Canada, and Western University Canada. This relatively new group is developing a strong reputation within this area and hosts several large NIHR projects, using cutting edge methodologies and innovative and bold collaborative approaches. Our work is underpinned by strong ethical and social justice values.

About the role: 

• To undertake world-leading and internationally excellent research using latest and innovative methodologies, as relevant in your area of research.

• To prepare, present and publish research outputs through the appropriate forums e.g. research workshops, conferences, seminars, exhibitions, portfolios, academic journals etc. 

• To develop ideas for generating income to ensure the continued success and growth of research portfolio.  

• To disseminate findings of research widely to further the institution's standing in the HE and research community and strengthen the impact of the research.

• To engage in scholarly activities conducive to a long-term successful academic career that will support and enhance the research culture within the Department/ School, Faculty and University.

About the candidate: 

You will be an ambitious researcher eager to develop your own body of work in the broad area of learning disability and/or autism, and participatory methodologies. With a doctoral-level qualification in a relevant social science or cognate discipline, including Social Care, Sociology, Politics, Health, Social Policy, you will be an innovator in participatory and/or creative research methods.

Requirements: 

• Doctoral level qualification in a related research area. 

• Possess breadth or depth of specialist knowledge and demonstrate potential for research independence.

• Excellent track record of relevant research outputs. 

• Significant research experience in the chosen field of research, which should include where appropriate: 
  • leading the work of a team, co-ordinating effort and resources to meet objectives 
  • developing partnerships within the University and with external agencies  
  • preparing funding proposals and applications to external bodies 
  • using initiative, creativity and judgement to develop appropriate approaches to research 
  • synthesising complex data from different sources and communicating findings via written reports and articles 
  • presenting at national and/or international research meetings 
  • supervising student work and providing appropriate support and feedback. 

• Experience of managing and monitoring performance of research projects in multi-disciplinary teams.

• Ability to manage projects involving academic institutions and funding bodies. 

Please refer to the Job Description & Person Specification for a full list of essential & desirable criteria. 

Academic Contact: Prof Sara Ryan (Sara.Ryan@mmu.ac.uk) or Professor Chris Hatton C.Hatton@mmu.ac.uk to discuss the fellowship opportunity in detail. 

Application Process: 

To apply to the Fellowship, please provide the following documents: 

• Research Interest Statement (no more than two sides of A4, font size 11, 2 cms margin): Statement should include your long-term career aspirations, how your research till date and plans to develop and contribute towards your research interest in the future will impact the University's Research Strategy whilst working with an existing team of researchers.  

• Research Proposal (no more than four sides of A4, font size 11, 2 cm margins): Kindly provide a research proposal focused on a specific topic within the research faculty you are applying for. The proposal should be accompanied by a Gantt chart outlining a 3-year research timeline.  

• Curriculum Vitae (include details of your education, citizenship, publications, funding, employment history & names of referees) 

Please note that panels will not consider attachments that fall outside of the limits, where specified. 

We aim to offer up to a maximum of 15 fellow appointments, for which we will be assessing applicants competitively across the four faculties that are welcoming applications. 

Assessment Timelines: 

• The application window will be available for 8 weeks and will close on 29 May 2024
• Interviews will be held on-site in Manchester (where practical) in the w/c 17 and 24 June 2024
• We aim to make offers to successful candidates in the w/c 03 July 2024

Enquiries:  

If you haven't found your specific area of research, please click here to sign up to our job alerts. 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on researchfellowships@mmu.ac.uk  

Manchester Met University is committed to creating an intentionally inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We understand the importance of having a diverse workforce and the benefits it can bring to ensuring diversity of thought and innovation in everything we do. We, therefore, encourage applications from our local and international communities, in particular people from ethnic minority groups, disabled people and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.    

We recognise the benefits and importance of an environment that supports flexible working and are open to conversations about this throughout the application process.  

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