Job summary
Research & Evaluation Fellow
Data, Knowledge and Research Directorate - Public Health Wales.
Band: 7 - Full time, Permanent
Interview:The interview will take place virtually.
Interviews will take place 01 July 2025
Main duties of the job
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Research and Evaluation Division in Public Health Wales as a Research and Evaluation Fellow, within the Central Evaluation team. The post holder will help develop and shape a robust programme of evaluation of complex public health interventions and programmes using appropriate methodologies for process and outcome evaluations.
The right person for the role will have extensive skills and experience in designing and delivering mixed methods evaluations and stakeholder engagement . Additionally they will have highly developed specialist knowledge in appropriate complex quantitative analytical approaches for outcome evaluations such quasi-experimental designs or other methods of measuring impact. They will also have good understanding of qualitative research methods and experience in a field related to public health. The successful applicant will need to demonstrate exceptional communication skills, experience working collaboratively across with others, providing leadership to deliver robust and innovative evaluation in public health.
This role sits within a supportive and multi-disciplinary team, embedded within a Directorate with a strong focus on evidence, data and data science in public health. The successful candidate will bring an aptitude to problem solve, and be motivated by delivering robust evidence to inform action and make a difference to population health.
About us
Public Health Wales is the National Public Health Institute in Wales. Our vision is 'Working to achieve a healthier future for Wales' where we play a pivotal role in driving improvements in population health and well-being, reducing health inequalities, improving healthcare outcomes, protecting the public and supporting the development of health in all policies across Wales.
Our organisation is guided by our Values, 'Working together, with trust and respect, to make a difference'. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of the communities we serve and from those wishing to work part time or on a job share basis.
To find out more about working for us, the benefits we offer and guidance on the application process, please visit https://phw.nhs.wales/working-for-us/applicant-information-and-guidance/
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will develop impactful research proposals based on public health priorities and current evidence gaps, and complete robust research and evaluations of public health policy and practice, including use of appropriate, highly complex quantitative methods, data collection/management, analysis, and interpretation
You will undertake robust data management and analysis of complex and linked data gathered for research and evaluation purposes, using specialist software and methodology (including open source statistical software e.g. R, data management and linkage software e.g. SQL) and ensure reproducible and transparent ways of working to support open analytical approaches and collaboration.
You will work independently to project manage research programmes contributing to the delivery of the PHW Research and Evaluation Strategy; working collaboratively with peers and senior colleagues from across the organisation
You will write and lead on the production of research reports, appropriately targeted at different audiences; producing a range of published outputs that will be accessible to policy-makers and practitioners and contributing to the development and production of journal articles. You will support the team to identify external grant funding opportunities to support research and evaluation activity with external partners.
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click "Apply now" to view on Trac.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will develop impactful research proposals based on public health priorities and current evidence gaps, and complete robust research and evaluations of public health policy and practice, including use of appropriate, highly complex quantitative methods, data collection/management, analysis, and interpretation
You will undertake robust data management and analysis of complex and linked data gathered for research and evaluation purposes, using specialist software and methodology (including open source statistical software e.g. R, data management and linkage software e.g. SQL) and ensure reproducible and transparent ways of working to support open analytical approaches and collaboration.
You will work independently to project manage research programmes contributing to the delivery of the PHW Research and Evaluation Strategy; working collaboratively with peers and senior colleagues from across the organisation
You will write and lead on the production of research reports, appropriately targeted at different audiences; producing a range of published outputs that will be accessible to policy-makers and practitioners and contributing to the development and production of journal articles. You will support the team to identify external grant funding opportunities to support research and evaluation activity with external partners.
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click "Apply now" to view on Trac.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS & KNOWLEDGE
Essential
- Educated to degree Level or equivalent in a mathematical, statistical, health, operational research, social science related subject with a strong research and/or evaluation component. Post graduate diploma or Masters degree in health, social science or public health research. Evidence of knowledge of core Public Health competencies at masters level, or equivalent. Knowledge of a range of quantitative and qualitative methods for evaluation. Knowledge of methods to develop, implement, and analyse complex interventions. Understanding and application of NHS research, ethics, data and information governance processes, policies and procedures.
Desirable
- PhD in a Public Health related subject, or equivalent level of experience Evidence of an ongoing commitment to professional development (CPD) Knowledge of Public Health policies and strategies in Wales. Knowledge of health inequalities. Knowledge of issues related to public health.
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience leading to highly developed specialist knowledge in research or evaluation applied to public health. Experience of leading, developing and implementing applied evaluations in public health policy and / or practice. Experience of developing and implementing quantitative and qualitative research projects or evaluations, including analysing and writing up findings. Experience of implementing a range of qualitative and/or quantitative data collection methods in relation to health and/or environment. Experience of manipulating large and complex datasets. Experience of project management. Experience of obtaining ethical, research and data governance (as required) approvals.
Desirable
- Experience of patient and public involvement in research, particularly of working with diverse ethnic and social communities Previous experience of developing research proposals and funding applications An academic track record of peer-reviewed publications
Aptitude & Abilities (SKILLS)
Essential
- Data management (new and routinely collected data) and analytical skills. Advanced skills a range of analytical software packages (eg R, python, SQL), and/or qualitative (CAQDAS) software. Advanced IT skills including Microsoft office. Excellent written and presentation communication skills. Effective stakeholder management and interpersonal skills. Ability to translate complexity into operational plans and actions. Excellent organisational skills with an ability to plan, manage time and prioritise own work and that of others effectively.
Desirable
- Demonstrated facilitative and negotiating skills. Skills in achieving open data science
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES & VALUES (Demonstrable)
Essential
- Attention to detail Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, plan and manage own workload. Proactive, ability to motivate self and others. Show personal commitment to public health through healthy and sustainable life style choices wherever possible
Desirable
- Demonstrated ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team. Commitment and experience of the development of others.
Other
Essential
- Ability to travel Ability to work flexible hours when needed
Desirable
Person Specification
QUALIFICATIONS & KNOWLEDGE
Essential
- Educated to degree Level or equivalent in a mathematical, statistical, health, operational research, social science related subject with a strong research and/or evaluation component. Post graduate diploma or Masters degree in health, social science or public health research. Evidence of knowledge of core Public Health competencies at masters level, or equivalent. Knowledge of a range of quantitative and qualitative methods for evaluation. Knowledge of methods to develop, implement, and analyse complex interventions. Understanding and application of NHS research, ethics, data and information governance processes, policies and procedures.
Desirable
- PhD in a Public Health related subject, or equivalent level of experience Evidence of an ongoing commitment to professional development (CPD) Knowledge of Public Health policies and strategies in Wales. Knowledge of health inequalities. Knowledge of issues related to public health.
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience leading to highly developed specialist knowledge in research or evaluation applied to public health. Experience of leading, developing and implementing applied evaluations in public health policy and / or practice. Experience of developing and implementing quantitative and qualitative research projects or evaluations, including analysing and writing up findings. Experience of implementing a range of qualitative and/or quantitative data collection methods in relation to health and/or environment. Experience of manipulating large and complex datasets. Experience of project management. Experience of obtaining ethical, research and data governance (as required) approvals.
Desirable
- Experience of patient and public involvement in research, particularly of working with diverse ethnic and social communities Previous experience of developing research proposals and funding applications An academic track record of peer-reviewed publications
Aptitude & Abilities (SKILLS)
Essential
- Data management (new and routinely collected data) and analytical skills. Advanced skills a range of analytical software packages (eg R, python, SQL), and/or qualitative (CAQDAS) software. Advanced IT skills including Microsoft office. Excellent written and presentation communication skills. Effective stakeholder management and interpersonal skills. Ability to translate complexity into operational plans and actions. Excellent organisational skills with an ability to plan, manage time and prioritise own work and that of others effectively.
Desirable
- Demonstrated facilitative and negotiating skills. Skills in achieving open data science
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES & VALUES (Demonstrable)
Essential
- Attention to detail Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, plan and manage own workload. Proactive, ability to motivate self and others. Show personal commitment to public health through healthy and sustainable life style choices wherever possible
Desirable
- Demonstrated ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team. Commitment and experience of the development of others.
Other
Essential
- Ability to travel Ability to work flexible hours when needed
Desirable
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
