Public Health Research Officer - Health Determinants Research Collaboration

This opportunity is currently being offered on a fixed term contract basis of 6 months; however, if budgets allow the contract length may be extended and/or become permanent, though this is not guaranteed.  If an internal council employee wishes to apply for this role, a secondment opportunity may be considered (please state this on your application).

Are you an experienced research professional looking for an exciting new opportunity to use research to improve health and wellbeing and tackle health inequalities in Medway?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full-time Research Officer working within the Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Medway (see https://www.medway.gov.uk/hdrc for more information). This role will support the essential work needed to set up and develop HDRC Medway including understanding and strengthening research focused links with the third sector and underserved communities, developing a research prioritisation process and developing a communications and engagement strategy. It is an opportunity to work at the heart of the Council, engage internal and external stakeholders and develop your skills and experience.

The successful candidate will have a relevant degree (e.g., public health, social sciences) and have experience in research methods (academically or applied). They will also be able to build a strong rapport and relationships at all levels within and outside of the organisation and have a keen interest in improving health and wellbeing. They will have proven skills and experience in project management and able to work autonomously.

Full details of the role and person specification can be found in the job description.

This is a fixed-term opportunity until end of September 2023. 

In return we offer you:

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Generous local government pension scheme package
• Access to wider training and development qualifications
• Flexible working scheme
• Travel plan discounts
• Car Benefit Scheme from Tusker
• Access to CAREFIRST advice & counselling service
• Employee discount scheme for national and local retailers
• The Government has introduced new ways of supporting parents with childcare costs. Further details are available here: - https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/

Our organisation:

Medway is a unitary authority in the South East of England, made up of the towns of Strood, Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham and Rainham and more rural areas, including the Hoo Peninsula.

Situated in Kent in the South-East of England, the area has plenty of green spaces, excellent facilities and easy access to the national motorway and rail networks, facilitating superb transport links to London.

We provide all local Government services for a quarter of a million people, looking after education, environment, social care, housing, planning, business and much more - everything from frontline services such as rubbish collection and events like the Dickens Festival to work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure services in Medway run smoothly and cost effectively.

Working at Medway Council means that you get to be part of this journey working alongside talented, professional colleagues to drive forward change to transform the lives of our residents and the communities they live in.

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Emma Hendricks via email at emma.hendricks@medway.gov.uk

Interviews are likely to be held virtually via Microsoft Teams.  Full details on how this will work will be sent to you, if your application is successfully shortlisted.

Important Information-

Applicants must be able to demonstrate all essential requirements as listed in the job profile

Equal Opportunities Commitment Statement

Medway Council is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All appropriately qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, marital status, family commitments, sexual orientation, age, HIV status, religious or political beliefs, social class or trade union activity or irrelevant spent conviction.

For further information please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.

Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted.  All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.

Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.