Policy Research Fellow at University of York

Team

The York Policy Engine (TYPE) is the University of York’s specialist policy engagement unit . TYPE connects people, ideas and evidence to drive policy change in the pursuit of public good. TYPE aims to strengthen academic-policymaker engagement and the adoption of evidence generated at York into policy.

TYPE is based in the Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange Directorate (RIKE). RIKE is the Professional Services Directorate responsible for developing and supporting all the University of York’s strategies for research and knowledge exchange, and for providing comprehensive support to York’s academic Departments in their research and impact activities. 

Role

We are seeking a Research Fellow to join The York Policy Engine team to support York’s involvement in a new Policy Hub that is being established within the Bradford Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC): a £4.7m National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funded programme that runs until September 2027 to boost research capabilities within local government.

Health Determinants Research Collaborations (HDRCs) boost research capacity and capability within local government. They aim to embed a culture of always using evidence when making decisions. HDRCs use research findings to understand how decisions impact on health and health inequalities. They also carry out research where evidence isn’t already available

The aim of the Hub is to develop the capacity of Bradford Council to use, choose and do research and apply evidence-based policy principles to practice, to improve the health and wellbeing of people and reduce inequalities in Bradford.

You will lead on key aspects of the joint University of York and Bradford Council HDRC Policy Hub. You will work closely with policy stakeholders to undertake policy-oriented research and evaluation focused on addressing determinants of health and wellbeing across the district of Bradford. This might include, for example, policy-oriented research relating to anti-poverty work across Bradford, the creation of a healthier more inclusive economy, improvements to housing, Bradford City of Culture 2025 and more. 

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed 

Some of the essential requirements for the role are listed below, please see the job description for the full list of essential criteria. 

• PhD in an applied social science subject such as management, sociology, social/public policy, politics that speaks to policy related topics of equivalent experience
• First degree in an applied social science subject such as management, sociology, social/ public policy, politics that speaks to policy related topics

• Knowledge of a range of research techniques and methodologies
• An understanding and experience of implementing knowledge exchange initiatives 
• An understanding of the workings of Government and the Civil Service, and the current policy and political environment regionally, nationally and internationally

• Highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with a wide-ranging audience, both orally and in writing, using a range of media
• Ability to lead and/or take responsibility for a small research project or identified parts of a large project
• Well-developed analytical skills
• The ability to work with a range of stakeholders in diverse contexts
• Experience of undertaking publicly evidenced high quality research
• Evidence of leadership within national knowledge exchange, policy engagement or research impact initiatives
• Experience of producing evidence-based policy briefs that are credible with both policy making and academic audiences  

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: please contact type@york.ac.uk