Local Authority Research Practitioner

Job Introduction

About Us

The research team is a dynamic and collaborative group dedicated to driving positive change through high-quality research and evidence-based practice. Comprising individuals with a diverse range of professional backgrounds and expertise, the team works closely with colleagues across the council and our wider partners to deliver impactful projects that inform policy, improve services, and support the wellbeing of our communities. We foster a culture of curiosity, continuous learning, and integrity, ensuring our work not only meets the highest standards but also reflects our organisational values in every aspect.

About the Role

• Play a pivotal role in shaping research that improves health and reduces inequalities across Oxfordshire.
• Support the delivery of policy-relevant research that matters to residents, helping implement the Council’s research strategy.
• Foster a culture of research within the Council, ensuring officers and councillors understand the value of research.
• Contribute to regional and national public health research capacity through the NIHR RSS Specialist Centre for Public Health and the Local Authority Research Practitioner (LARP) network.
• Collaborate with local universities, NHS partners, and community organizations to expand research networks and drive innovation.
• Promote evidence-based decision-making, support research funding applications, and help embed research into council operations.

About you

• Postgraduate qualification (preferably in public health, social sciences, or a related field) or equivalent experience in applied health research.
• Strong understanding of the UK public health research landscape, with hands-on experience conducting research and supporting others.
• Knowledge of study designs, methodologies, information governance, and ethics in research.
• Experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methods, and familiarity with statistical and reference management software.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and team-working skills.

Rewards and benefits

It really is true that every single job role here contributes to bettering the lives of the people in our county - we want to do this for our employees too. We are proud of our strong flexible working culture, including the opportunity for flexibility on working hours and the use of technology to support agile working. We offer some of the very best learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development.

We have a generous holiday allowance which rises as you remain in employment with us up to 33 days, as well as giving you the option to buy additional holiday. You will also have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions of up to 19.9% of your salary; a range of local and national retail discounts; and a host of enhanced family friendly policies including carers leave and paid time off for volunteering.

Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, full time and part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any issues with the application system, please contact: researchteam@oxfordshire.gov.uk