Research Fellow Uk Visa Sponsorship
Job Description
Location
Brighton, UK
Hours
Full-time or part-time hours considered, up to a maximum of 1.0 FTE (37.5 hours per week). Flexible working options will be considered, subject to business needs.
Salary
Grade 7, starting at £37,999 to £45,163 per annum, pro rata if part-time.
Contract Type
Fixed-Term Contract
About the Role
This role supports a two-year project funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) aimed at improving residential social care and supported living services for autistic adults. The project seeks to develop a practical, evidence-informed implementation framework for the National Autistic Taskforce’s Independent Guide to Quality Care for Autistic People (NAT Guide), the only independent, autistic-authored resource outlining the key elements of high-quality care for autistic individuals of all ages. The Guide focuses on shifting from behavior management to a supportive, relational understanding of care to enhance quality of life.
You will collaborate closely with co-Principal Investigators, Dr. Yo Dunn of the National Autistic Taskforce and Dr. David Orr from the University of Sussex, as well as other project leads, including Professor Sue Fletcher-Watson from the University of Edinburgh and Dr. Kathy Leadbitter from the University of Manchester. Fieldwork will involve working at two residential settings, including monthly travel and occasional overnight stays. You will use interviews, observations, surveys, and service record analysis to gather data.
Your role will include working with staff, residents, and their families/friends, alongside action research groups, to identify areas for change based on the NAT Guide. You will co-create solutions, evaluate their impact, and contribute to data analysis, academic publications, and stakeholder engagement. Autistic expertise will be integral throughout the study, led by the NAT team and embedded within the research group, steering committee, advisory panel, and action groups.
About You
We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with experience or familiarity with UK social care, health, or education services, particularly working with autistic adults. You will be committed to the social model of disability and skilled at engaging and communicating effectively with autistic individuals, their families and carers, care staff, academic colleagues, and external stakeholders.
Experience with participatory research methodologies is essential.
The final selection of residential settings for fieldwork will be determined in collaboration with the successful applicant. However, monthly travel within England, including overnight stays, is expected.
About Our Division/School
The School of Education and Social Work is proud to hold a Bronze Athena Swan Award.
Why Work Here
The University of Sussex is located just off the A27, next to the scenic South Downs, offering a beautiful 150-acre campus with easy access to public transport. Falmer train station is just a five-minute walk from campus, with several bus stops nearby, as well as dedicated cycling paths. We also offer a cycle-to-work scheme for staff.
Sussex is a prestigious, research-led university with international recognition, made exceptional by the people who work here. Whether you’re part of the Faculty, Professional Services, or the Student body, it’s our people that make us great, and we want you to join us.
Find out more about our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Further Key Information
For informal enquiries, please contact David Orr at d.orr@sussex.ac.uk.
The University of Sussex values diversity and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, particularly encouraging applications from autistic individuals who meet the role criteria.
Visa Sponsorship Queries
This role is eligible for Skilled Worker Sponsorship if full-time, as it meets the salary requirements. For further information, please refer to the Skilled Worker Visa information page.
Closing Date
January 30, 2025, 5:59 PM
Expected Interview Date
To be confirmed
Expected Start Date
April 2025
Contract Duration
Fixed term for 24 months
