Research Associate – Interdisciplinary Systematic Review: mechanistic evidence and epistemic justice

Two Research Associates are required to work on the UKRI-funded project, Interdisciplinary Systematic Review: mechanistic evidence and epistemic justice [jonwilliamson.uk], directed by Jon Williamson in the Department of Philosophy, University of Manchester. This position requires expertise in philosophy of scientific method and philosophy of causality. A second position, which requires expertise in evidence review and research methods, will be advertised in the coming weeks.

The positions must start on 16 January 2025 and the contract is for 2 years. The Research Associates will be based in the Department of Philosophy, in the School of Social Sciences.

The project is on the methodology of causal evaluation. When evaluating whether an intervention works, orthodox ‘evidence-based’ evaluation methods review certain kinds of studies (especially randomised trials) but exclude other relevant evidence (such as mechanistic studies and views of stakeholders). This project will apply an emerging philosophical theory of causal enquiry, Evidential Pluralism, to provide systematic foundations for a broader approach to evidence reviewone that includes a diverse range of evidence from across disciplines. This approach promises better informed and more inclusive evaluations. A new review of the effectiveness of face-mask mandates will help to test the approach.

Working under the guidance of the P.I. and co-leaders Trish Greenhalgh (Oxford) and Rebecca Helm (Exeter), you will have responsibility for (i) developing new methods for systematically reviewing evidence of the effectiveness of interventions; (ii) carrying out a review of the effectiveness of face-mask mandates for controlling respiratory infections to test the new methods; and (iii) assessing the extent to which the new methods mitigate specific epistemological and ethical objections to orthodox systematic review methods. You will also help to ensure that the new methods inform evaluation practice outside academia.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

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This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.