The READY Study / Description: Young Deaf Researcher Role

Description: Young Deaf Researcher Role

We are looking for young Deaf people to work with our research team on an exciting new project. Maybe it could it be you?

Title

Deaf Young Researcher

Purpose of role

To be a co-researcher who contributes to a ground-breaking new study about deaf young people. The role will include working with the research team collecting data, reviewing study materials, advertising the study and advising the research team. Full training and police checks will be provided for applicants. Details of the research study can be found in this web page.

Activities

All activities will be accessible for all modes of communications including BSL, spoken English and any other additional needs. Activities are:

  • A compulsory two-day training course on carrying out research, including ethics, confidentiality and methods of collecting and recording data.
  • Carrying out 5 interviews a year with other deaf young people accompanied by an experienced researcher.
  • Promoting the study and getting young people to take part by creating videos, writing blogs etc.
  • Advising the research team by giving a young deaf person’s perspective on any questions or issues which arise in the course of the study e.g. Changes to the data collection instruments, changes to the recruitment strategy for participants.
  • Checking whether information produced by the study team makes sense for deaf young people.
  • Acting as an ambassador and supporter for the research project.
Timeframe
Key point Date
Application closing date 20 October 2019
Skype or Zoom interviews week of 28 October 2019
Date you will hear back from the research team by 8 November 2019
Compulsory training course at University of Manchester Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December 2019
First five interviews with deaf young people Any time between December 2019 and March 2020

The research study will have five waves of data collection, one per year for five years. The five interviews you do will likely fall between December and March each year. We are looking for people who are committed to the project in the long term, and the interviews can be fit into your own personal schedule each year.

Other activities may take place at any time, subject to your availability.

Outcome of study

The study aims to understand how to support deaf young people in achieving their goals on their way to becoming independent adults.

We also want to make sure that all research about deaf young people include deaf young people in how it is run. There will be other deaf researchers alongside you!

Location

Training: University of Manchester

Interviews and other activities: In your local area

About you
  • Age 19 to 27 years old;
  • A keen interest in young deaf people and their lives;
  • A strong commitment to confidentiality, privacy and ethics;
  • Interest in learning how to gather feedback by conducting interviews;
  • Ability to keep careful records;
  • Willingness to undergo basic training in research;
  • Confidence to contribute your own thoughts and ideas at the same time as respecting the perspective of others;
  • A good communicator – it does not matter if you prefer to use BSL, spoken English, Sign Supported English or any mix of communication methods;
  • A good time keeper who shows responsibility in your commitment to carry out tasks;
  • We are looking for people from all parts of England, Scotland and Wales.
What we offer
  • Opportunity to undertake a two-day research training programme at the end of which you will receive a certificate listing the skills you have learned;
  • Reasonable travel expenses for attendance at the training course and accommodation if required;
  • A payment of £100 for completing the training course;
  • A chance to meet new people and share your passion and skills with others involved in the project;
  • Regular support from the research project team to develop your skills;
  • The chance to work with experienced researchers including those who are d/Deaf;
  • A chance to be part of an exciting and interesting project;
  • For those chosen to carry out some interview work we will pay travel expenses to the interviews and £50 per interview completed;
  • For those who do other tasks for the research project, we will provide shopping vouchers between £10 and £20 as thanks for your time and work. The amount depends on the complexity and length of a task.
  • Your name will be included in the project website as having been a “deaf young researcher” attached to the project.
  • CV and skills enhancement with references for long term volunteers working with us for more than 6 months.
How to apply

You can either write a maximum of 300 words or send a video of maximum 4 minutes to READY@manchester.ac.uk

 In your email or video, please explain:

  • Why you are interested in this opportunity;
  • What are the skills and experience you would bring to this role;
  • What you hope to gain from the experience of undertaking this role.

Please make sure you include your name, age, address and preferred way to be contacted (e.g. email, text, phone).

We will review all applications and let you know whether we want to interview you. If we want to interview you this will be done via Skype or Zoom. If you are unsuccessful in being chosen as one of the interviewers for the project there may be other roles we can offer you and we will let you know about this.

Report to

Professor Alys Young, University of Manchester, and Rosie Eggleston, National Deaf Children’s Society.

The READY Study