DRNS is funded to build capacity, maximise research investment, and deliver high-quality research evidence to inform policy and practice relevant to problem drug use and recovery in Scotland. The network is hosted by the University of Stirling and is currently halfway through the first year of the second Phase funded by the Scottish Funding Council/Scottish Government. DRNS have established an effective and collaborative network that is actively supporting the development of, and engagement in, drugs research in Scotland and beyond.
The DRNS Steering Committee supports DRNS governance, provides strategic direction and ensures that the network is conducted to ethical standards. The Steering Committee’s role includes:
- to provide leadership, advice and guidance to the DRNS and Host Institution on all appropriate network activities by promoting the values of DRNS;
- to contribute towards developing proposals for research grants;
- to agree, collaborate and support the organisation of DRNS activities;
- to support the Host Institution and DRNS staff members to compile reports to the funders.
We are now refreshing our Steering Committee for this second Phase and invite applications from individuals with a range of skills and experiences, including:
- Quantitative methods
- Qualitative methods
- Trial design
- Development, or adaption, and evaluation of complex interventions
- Health economics
- Social sciences background
- Social policy or policy analysis
- Peer research experience
- Early career researcher (<5 years post PhD)
- Third sector experience
- Person with lived experience of substance use
- Family member affected by substance use
- Clinican or practitioner in a related field
- Criminal justice focus
- Experience of working with the media
Multiple skill areas can be covered by the same individual, but applications should be tailored to cover each area accordingly. Other relevant skills and experiences not listed above will still be considered and should be highlighted in applications.
In addition, applicants can highlight whether they would like to be considered for the role of Steering Committee Convenor. The Convenor is responsible for presenting a visible, national ‘face’ on behalf of DRNS, and liaising with Steering Committee members and DRNS core staff to arrange, align agendas, and chair meetings. More information on the expectations of the role of Convenor, and the wider Steering Committee, can be found in the DRNS Steering Committee role and structure document (linked below).
Interested applicants should review this document and then complete an expression of interest form (attached at the bottom of this post) along with a 400 word (max) statement covering why you are applying to the Committee and how you will contribute to ensure the DRNS achieves its aims. A key aspect of DRNS is collaboration and valuing the contribution of a range of different individuals in the Network. Please provide evidence of recent collaborative work in the drugs, or relevant other, sectors.
The expression of interest form, statement, and a short CV (max 4 pages) should be sent to Jess Greenhalgh, DRNS Research Project Administrator at admin@drns.ac.uk by 5pm Monday 26th April 2021. If you require any additional information, or have a query relating to the Steering Committee or application process, please do get in touch.
