Project Support Officer

Department As a Project Support Officer (Community Researcher) you will contribute to an NIHR programme of research that aims to help people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) take up, and therefore benefit from, Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR). PR is a treatment programme of exercise and education designed to help people manage their symptoms and live well with the disease. The 5-year UPTURN study includes specific work with patients from the Bangladeshi, Black African and Caribbean communities, their families, and health care professionals. A key part of the programme will be building community relationships to help ensure that ethnic minority patients and carers are included in the study. (https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/our-services/respiratory-medicine-lungs/upturn-study/) You will be employed by York Trials Unit, University of York. The role allows hybrid working and involves some travel. The post is full-time and fixed term until 30th June 2028, with the intention to extend subject to funding.  The University of York offers flexible working patterns and a number of family friendly initiatives. As a Department, we are proud to foster a supportive culture that helps staff and students contribute fully, flourish and excel, to reach their full potential. We embrace equality, diversity and inclusion as well as the values of the Athena Swan Charter in all out Departmental activities. Role The main purpose of the role is community engagement, assisting with research activities under the supervision of senior colleagues, and contributing to the production of research relating to the UPTURN study.  Duties: To lead community engagement work with Bangladeshi and/or Black African and Caribbean communities.  To assist with collection of data to support the wider project programme of research.  To plan and deliver community based events and communications related to the project. To undertake organisational and administrative activities connected to the research project, including stakeholder collaboration. To prioritise and plan your own workload. To coordinate and liaise with community organisations and other members of the research team to ensure the smooth running of the project. To be adaptable, flexible, and responsive, whilst maintaining a confident approach to changing environments and circumstances, acknowledging that the research areas will include working with diverse underserved groups. Skills, Experience & Qualification needed Knowledge and experience of working with ethnic minority groups, particularly Bangladeshi communities and / or Black Caribbean and African communities. Knowledge and experience in qualitative research, particularly qualitative interviewing within ethnic minority communities. Excellent communication skills to engage effectively with a wide-ranging audience, both orally and in writing, using a range of media. Assist with writing up of research for reports and publication, and engaging in public dissemination. Assist with Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) activities. Ability to work as part of a team and to work independently using own initiative. Assist with organisational and administrative activities connected to the project, including organising meetings, attending committee and working groups, and supporting the development of promotional and educational materials.   Interview date: To be confirmed For informal enquiries: please contact Dr Suman Prinjha: suman.prinjha@york.ac.uk