We are seeking to appoint a Researcher in Public Health to lead a collaborative research programme in Derby and the wider Derbyshire area on the socioeconomic determinants of health inequalities and their impact on non-communicable diseases. Our strategic aim is to conduct excellent, multidisciplinary research at the intersection of two growing areas of public health priority.
The programme involves multisectoral collaboration with regional, national and international organisations. The example of the local stakeholders includes the University of Derby's School of Allied Health and Social Care, the Derbyshire NHS Integrated Care System, Derby City Local Authority, Derbyshire County Council, and Derbyshire Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise.
Our target populations include underserved populations living in poverty and minoritised groups facing issues related to substance misuse, mental health disorders, and homelessness. The collaboration aims to how socioeconomic factors such as access to health and social services, income levels, social deprivation, affordable housing, education, and environmental conditions influence non-communicable diseases prioritised in UK public health. Additionally, we will also examine behavioural factors such as gambling, alcohol, and drug addiction, as well as adverse childhood experiences.
The successful candidate will have the freedom to develop the project with support from Professor Mzwandile Mabhala and other leading experts in public health. This role involves working within a collaborative team that includes both established and early-career researchers, as well as public health practitioners and policy leaders, on a regional, national, and international scale.
Day to day elements of the role include:
- Engage in networking activities to make internal and external contacts develop knowledge, and form relationships for future research collaboration.
- Identifying opportunities for "bonding networks" to enhance collaborative efforts in advancing the research and development agenda related to health inequalities and vulnerable groups.
- Developing capacity within the wider public health workforce, particularly in non-traditional public health organisations and roles not specifically identified as public health.
- Leading efforts to identify external funding opportunities and develop grant proposals involves conducting literature reviews, preparing research plans, and contributing to budget justifications.
- Preparing research manuscripts for publication in high-impact scientific journals and presenting findings at conferences and seminars.
- Contributing to departmental teaching activities, including supervising PhD and MSc students.
The anticipated interview date is Thursday 1st May 2025.