Local Authority Research Practitioner (LARP) – Public Health

24 Months Fixed term/Secondment Opportunity

Part time 21.6 hours per week

Salary £53,634 to £55,710 pro rata

The City and Hackney Public Health Service is passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of our communities in both Hackney and the City of London. We work collaboratively and creatively to address health inequalities and create a healthier future for all.

If you would like to find out more information about public health in the City and Hackney, please visit the Hackney and City of London Health and Wellbeing Profiles website at https://hackneyjsna.org.uk/ and the services recruitment page at https://recruitment.hackney.gov.uk/the-public-health-team/.

We are looking for a Local Authority Research Practitioner to build research capacity across the council, and to develop a network with academic partners. The post is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research as part of the Local Authority Research Practitioner (LARP) Program.

The post holder will need to be very proactive in seeking out and developing new research partnerships, identifying funding opportunities, making applications, and engaging NIHR and other national academic organisations.

Within the organisation, the role is aimed at developing the knowledge, skills and understanding among staff so that they can become more research active, embedding this in the routine business across the borough in support of a healthier population.

The post holder will have significant support from the public health team to develop new ideas and respond quickly to opportunities. The work will support a range of strategies across the council, and focus on the principles of understanding the health needs of the population, addressing health inequalities, determining priorities for action, assisting wider understanding of the characteristics of the local population.

The post holder requires a qualification at PhD level or equivalent, alongside demonstrable experience of working in an academic environment. A history of academic publications in a field relevant to public health, and evidence of successful funding applications is desirable.

The role requires strong written and verbal communication skills to engage a variety of audiences, including elected Members and national academic/policy leads. There will be a need to coordinate and chair meetings, produce written briefings, and deliver verbal presentations.

The role will involve working with a range of data, requiring a sound understanding of qualitative and quantitative approaches.

The postholder requires strong leadership skills and the ability to work autonomously, running projects within the council and with external partners.

The successful applicant will be a primary contact with the NIHR Specialist Centre for Public Health, and will need to undertake regular reporting to demonstrate the impact of the role.

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.

To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.

eAs part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

Closing date for applications: 27 August 2025 (22:59)

Interview and assessment date: 15 September 2025

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk