Local Authority Research Practitioner

• Directorate:Public Health & Public Protection, Strategy, Communities and Engagement
• Pay Level:£41,873 - £43,935 per annum (Fully inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance)
• Contract Type:Fixed Term Contract (2 years)
• Working Hours:37hours per week
• Location:Observatory House/ Slough Hybrid(minimum 2 days per week in the office)
• DBS requirement:Basic

The closing date for applications is midnight on 21st August 2026

Interviews will be held week commencing 24th August 2026

We are looking to appoint a highly skilled and motivated Local Authority Research Practitioner to join our dynamic Public Health team. This role will support the Head of Research, Insight, and Data in developing and implementing a comprehensive research governance framework across the council, focusing on building research capacity, facilitating strategic collaborations, and securing external funding to advance public health initiatives.

The successful candidate will work with colleagues across the directorate to foster a research-active culture within the council, leading collaborative research projects, and ensuring that evidence-based practices are at the core of our public health decision-making. You will work closely with higher education institutions, public health networks, NHS partners, and community organisations to drive research that addresses local health priorities and informs public policy.

• Support the development and implementation of a research governance framework across the council, with associated training and capacity-building initiatives.
• Lead strategic collaborations with academic institutions, public health networks, voluntary sector organisations, and NHS partners to identify and secure external funding for public health research projects.
• Design and deliver targeted training programs to build research skills among council staff and promote a culture of continuous learning and development.
• Facilitate the creation of local communities of practice that bring together NHS, local authority, and academic teams to support research and evaluation.
• Oversee the monitoring and evaluation of research projects, ensuring that outcomes are effectively communicated and inform future public health strategies.
• Lead and support the development and submission of significant research proposals to external funders, positioning the council for future grant opportunities.
• Present research findings at national, regional, or international levels to raise the council's research profile

The role is part funded by the NIHR RSS Specialist Centre for Public Health, and the postholder will be expected to actively promote, support and contribute to the activity of the NHR RSS Specialist Centre for Public Health, alongside their work within the Council

Our vision is to make a difference to our communities and environment. Every employee contributes to services for local people, directly or by supporting colleagues. We celebrate diversity and want residents to enjoy fulfilling, prosperous and healthy lives.

We offer a supportive place to grow your career, where your input is valued and heard. You will join a friendly, collaborative environment where ambition and innovation are encouraged.

We support flexible and hybrid working to help colleagues achieve a positive work-life balance. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, recruit on merit and value a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Annual increments, where applicable, are usually payable on 1 April, subject to six months’ service and satisfactory performance, until the maximum spinal column point is reached.

• 26 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days after 2 years and 33 days after 5 years’ service.
• The Local Government Pension Scheme
• Wellbeing initiatives and employee networks that help us celebrate and promote equality.
• Tax-free childcare and childcare services
• Season ticket loan to help with rail or bus travel to and from work.

Slough Borough Council is an inclusive employer. If you need support during the application process or reasonable adjustments…