Research Associate

Role Description

Department

As one of the longest-established (1965) and most distinguished in the UK, the Department of Sociology has played an important role in the development of the discipline.  Our commitment to research resulted in the Department being ranked by the Times Higher Education as fourth in the UK for research and first for research impact.  The Department is also in the World Top 150 for Sociology (QS World Ranking by subject, 2024).  Sociology at York identifies novel empirical agendas, shapes theoretical approaches and conducts research into the challenges facing modern societies.  By collaborating with international and national partners, we pride ourselves on doing sociology that makes a positive change in the world (https://www.york.ac.uk/sociology/research/). We are a collegiate department with a vibrant, research-intensive group of staff, organised around four clusters: Science, Health and Technology; Gender, Sexuality and Inequalities; Culture, Value and Practices; and Language and Social Interaction. We are based in a modern building on the University’s East Campus.

Role

The role involves conducting qualitative research that explores patient and professional experience of colon capsule endoscopy (CCE). CCE is a camera in a pill that is swallowed by patients, to record visual images of the colon. It is used to diagnose colorectal disease and is a potential alternative to colonoscopy. Working in partnership with York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the research is part of a programme of work, funded by National Institute of Health Research, to evaluate the use of CCE in the NHS. The main duties and responsibilities of the job include: 

• organising qualitative fieldwork with patients and healthcare professionals;

• interviewing (i) patients who have been offered CCE and (ii) healthcare professionals, involved in negotiating the use of CCE with patients;

• analysing and synthesising qualitative interview material;

• writing up qualitative material for peer review publication in sociological and health  journals;

• preparing reports and updates, consistent with NHS reporting procedures, NHS ethical processes and funder requirements; and

• disseminating research findings to academic, public and professional audiences.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

The successful candidate will have:

• a doctorate in sociology

• knowledge of the sociology of health, wellbeing and care

• knowledge of theoretically informed qualitative research, including narrative based approaches 

• ability to write up research work for peer review publication in sociological journals

• experience of conducting qualitative fieldwork in healthcare settings

• experience of interviewing potentially vulnerable patients

• experience of NHS ethical processes and procedures and of working with NHS colleagues

• experience of disseminating research material to academic, professional and public audiences

• a collaborative ethos and an ability to work with a variety of different stakeholders

To apply, complete the University application form and enclose a four page CV along with a two page covering letter, outlining how you meet the essential (and desirable) criteria.

Interview date: To be confirmed 

For informal enquiries: please contact Professor Karl Atkin, FAcSS (karl.atkin@york.ac.uk)

Condition of employment

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Consequently, all applicants will be asked to declare both unspent and spent convictions on their application form.

Appointment of the successful candidate will be conditional on a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork