Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to work on the development of a new Health and Social Equity Hub, working with Professor Stephani Hatch, Dr Ali Hossaini, Dr Charlotte Woodhead as well as other interdisciplinary academic and non-academic collaborators in research, education and practice.   

The post will be situated within the Health Inequalities Research Group, based at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London.  

The Health and Social Equity Hub (co-funded by King’s Together and Impact on Urban Health) aims to dismantle structures maintaining health inequalities through action in i) more inclusive, translational research, ii) inclusive training, education and capacity-building opportunities and iii) public engagement and advocacy. It will build on and add value to existing approaches underpinning the Health Inequalities Research Group (HIRG) and the Marginalised Communities Programme in the ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health (CSMH), and will be supported by the public engagement infrastructure within the Health Inequalities Research Network.

The post will involve liaising with academic, arts and culture, health/social care and third sector collaborators to support the co-creation of the Hub and to lay the foundations for its sustainable funding. Specifically, the post-holder will synthesise relevant literature and existing models of working on health and equity-related initiatives aligned with the Hub ethos; support design and facilitation of prioritisation workshops; support a modified Delphi consensus process to reach agreement on how the Hub will operate; produce lay summaries of reports and publications; and support the development of larger grants. In addition, the post-holder will support evaluation of Hub-related training and capacity development activities (e.g., more equitable internships and peer researcher training materials), as well supporting public engagement activities. 

The successful candidate will have a strong interest in social inequalities and their potential impact on mental health and health; be able to think creatively and innovatively; be keen to learn new skills; be committed to anti-racist practice and contributing to meaningful change. Applicants from minoritised racial and ethnic groups, and those with lived experience of social disadvantage/injustice, are strongly encouraged to apply. 

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for 12 months in the first instance 

This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

• With support from the Health Inequalities Research Group and Hub collaborators, the post holder will:  

• Liaise with academic, health/social care and third sector collaborators to support the co-creation of the Hub and to lay the foundations for its sustainable funding 

• Conduct relevant literature searches in support of publications, reports and grant writing, produce lay summaries of research and draft papers for publication under the supervision of senior academics  

• Synthesise relevant literature and examples of existing models of working on health and equity related initiatives aligned with the Hub ethos 

• Support and contribute to a Delphi Consensus process to co-design the Hub and summarise findings into a draft report 

• Contribute to developing and delivering high-quality activities and resources that aim to engage and empower people and communities, including; producing accessible blogs, newsletters, podcasts, and zines, developing engaging content for website and social media platforms and 

• Working with our partners and advisory group members 

• Contribute to the development of innovative and creative ways to work remotely (digitally & non-digitally) with local communities 

• Supporting training and evaluation activities, revising Peer Researcher course, revising internships 

• Supporting co-design and co-facilitation of workshops and public engagement activities 

• Work with and supporting peer researchers with lived experience of inequities in health, mental health, and social care 

• Undertake any training relevant to the role, including safeguarding and data protection training 

• Ensure the security and confidentiality of data  

• Attend project meetings, prepare monthly progress reports, maintain clear and up to date written documentation, and present progress at team meetings 

• Prioritising workload according to discussion with managers 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria  

1. A first degree in social sciences, anthropology, health, epidemiology or similar 

2. MSc in mental health research, social sciences, applied health, policy, science communication, public engagement or similar 

3. Strong interest in social inequalities in health, mental health and wellbeing 

4. Experience of working or collaborating with people outside of academia (e.g., voluntary/community sector, health or social care, policy) 

5. Experience of co-creation, coproduction or codesign  

6. Demonstration of ability and willingness to think creatively and innovatively when solving problems and learn new skills 

7. Understanding of principles of ethics, including data confidentiality and data security and in collaborating with non-academic partners 

8. Ability to work flexibly including occasional weekends/evenings 

9. Excellent verbal and written communication 

10. Excellent time management, organisation and team working skills   

Desirable criteria

11. Experience of building relationships with people from diverse disciplinary and social backgrounds 

12. Experience of literature reviewing, writing reports, and presenting results 

13. Experience of managing and creating content for social media and/or website design  

Further information

This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service and Occupational Health clearance. 

Health Inequalities  

Research Assistant 

Social inequity 

Social Justice