Research Associate

Job title:

Research Associate

Company

The Open University

Job description

About the RoleThis is a great opportunity for a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to the implementation of a set of activities driving the PEACEPLUS funded PEACE OF MIND, which is focused on addressing the significant mental health challenges prevalent among young people in Northern Ireland and the border counties of the Republic of Ireland.The Peace of Mind project is supported by the European Union’s PEACEPLUS Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).Key ResponsibilitiesThe role involves:

• Co-design and evaluate aspects of a youth mental health programme e.g., the programme content and design, peer mentors training, youth recruitment, project website, evaluation processes of youth engagement and learning from the programme, a number of citizen science studies.
• Collect and analyse data (qualitative and quantitative) from participating youth located in Northern Ireland and Ireland.
• Co-produce reports in collaboration with project partners and youth.
• Co-design an online Open Learn training in collaboration with partners.

A project description can be found in the job description at the following link:Research Associate – PEACEPLUSSkills and Experience

• A completed PhD in Educational Technology, Technology-Enhanced Learning, Mental health and Wellbeing (youth), Youth Community work or other relevant field.
• Experience conducting previous research with children and/or young people
• Experience of using participatory, co-production methods in research, ideally with young people or other similar audiences.
• Experience of conducting and analysing qualitative data such as interviews, focus groups, observations.
• Experience of conducting and analysing quantitative data such as online surveys, learning analytics.

For further information about the role including a full person specification, please see the job description at the following link:Research Associate – PEACEPLUSIf you would like to discuss the application or recruitment process before making an application, please contact Imelda Haran imelda.haran@open.ac.uk or Eileen Scanlon eileen.scanlon@open.ac.ukEssential RequirementsTo apply for this role please submit the following:

• A personal statement no longer than 1,000 words outlining how your skills and experience meet the skills section of the job description in relation to the project requirements.
• A 2-page CV detailing relevant to the role information.
• A recent publication or report you (co) authored.

This role will be physically based at The Open University in Northern Ireland. As well as working in the OU office there is a requirement to attend research sites in Northern Ireland as needed, with the ability to work from home when not required in the office.Long DescriptionThe PEACE OF MIND project is a cross community/cross border strategic initiative delivered by Verbal in partnership with the Cedar Foundation, Inspire Wellbeing and the Open University designed to address the significant mental health challenges prevalent among young people in Northern Ireland and the border counties of the Republic of Ireland. Rooted in the aftermath and legacy of the Troubles, Northern Ireland faces a shared challenge: the persistent intergenerational trauma that affects its young population.The project’s objective is to systematically address and reduce the barriers that contribute to the marginalisation of young people and to provide evidence backed, peer facilitated mental health and well-being community relations programmes for young people aged 9-25 across Northern Ireland and border counties.The challenge that the PEACE OF MIND project is tackling is to enhance the capacity of all children and young people including those with disabilities, brain injuries, autism and mental health needs to form positive and effective relationships with others from different cultural and religious backgrounds whilst developing strategies to support self-efficacy, resilience and coping strategies leading to positive mental health and well-being outcomes.The project will benefit young people in school (both mainstream and special needs), in youth and community groups, those engaged or with a history of engagement with statutory mental health services as well as young people who self-refer by providing them with additional support, and an opportunity to contribute to building more inclusive communities and fostering a sense of belonging for everyone involved.Role of the OU:The OU is responsible for the project’s research and evaluation which is based on co-designing, co-evaluating and co-delivering with young people and other partners a mental health programme for peace and prosperity. The co-produced research and evaluation approach is based on citizen science and Design-Based Research (DBR) and it will lead to co-designing aspects of the project including the programme content and design, peer mentors training, youth recruitment, ongoing evaluation processes of youth engagement and learning from the programme, the project online website and a number of citizen science studies contributing original insights to youth mental health research.

Expected salary

Location

Belfast

Job date

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 22:32:18 GMT

To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email/cover letter where (globalvacancies.org) you saw this job posting.