Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time 18-month fixed term position as a Postdoctoral Researcher with the Irish Centre for Social Gerontology (ICSG) at the National University of Ireland, Galway. This is a key post in a qualitative research programme that adopts a life-course approach and which is funded by the HSE Ageing Research Awards. This position is available from 1st July 2019 to contract end date of December 31st 2020.
While work is emerging on social deprivation and health inequalities for older Traveller and older homeless people, little is known about members of these groups who achieve healthy outcomes. This is critical given forthcoming legislative structures on older adult home care, and the invisibility of these groups in the legislative process. This programme will investigate life-course and structural determinants of positive subjective health amongst older Traveller and older homeless people. The research is being conducted with a view to centralising the voice of these groups in effective, ethical and rights-based models of home care delivery. The successful candidate will, under the direction of the ICSG Director Prof. Kieran Walsh, lead on qualitative data collection. They will also contribute to an interdisciplinary team of co-investigators who include experts in public health, health economics and health policy, social gerontology and primary care.
The research will consider: (1) life events and experiences, and polices, practices and norms, associated with positive health biographies for these groups; (2) strategies available to these groups to respond to risks, inequalities and inequities; (3) how being an older Traveller, or an older homeless person, influences health expectancies; and (4) needs and preferences for home care. The research will involve, in-depth interviews, focus groups and participant researcher training.
Duties:
- Lead on and carry out primary qualitative research, using life-course interview techniques and focus group methodologies, which meets the objectives of the programme;
- Be responsible for the project management of the programme;
- Engage and work with key collaborators and stakeholders from across ageing, homelessness, and Traveller community sectors and groups.
- Lead on the writing up of research findings for publication in different forms, including policy briefs and peer-reviewed journals;
- Be responsible for drafting progress reports for funders.
- Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.
Essential Qualifications/Skills required:
- A PhD in a relevant social science discipline, and preferable in the field of ageing;
- Demonstrable experience of researching areas that relate to ageing and the human life course;
- An ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team of researchers;
- Evidence of relevant publications (at least 4 peer-reviewed publications) and a desire to publish in high-rankling journals;
- Excellent communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills;
- Significant knowledge and appropriate experience of using qualitative approaches in social research (including life-course interview techniques; and participatory methodologies);
- Experience of working with older Travellers and older homeless adults is desirable.
- Awareness of legal and ethical requirements regarding data protection and confidentiality.
Salary: €37,223 – €40,662 fixed for the period. (Public sector pay policy pertaining to new entrants will apply)
Interviews are expected to take place on 13th June 2019
Start date: 1st July 2019 (or the earliest date thereafter).
NB: Gárda clearance is a requirement for this position.
Continuing Professional Development/Training:
Researchers at NUI Galway are encouraged to avail of a range of training and development opportunities designed to support their personal career development plans.
Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI Galway
For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie
For informal discussion about this post please contact Prof. Kieran Walsh at kieran.walsh@nuigalway.ie
To Apply:
Candidates are requested to submit a cover letter, CV (Word or PDF format only) and the names and addresses of three referees via e-mail to icsg@nuigalway.ie
Applicants must include the Ref. No. NUIG 094-19 in the subject line of the email application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5 pm (GMT), Thursday, 6th June 2019
National University of Ireland Galway is an equal opportunities employer
All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment
