Challenges and opportunities of conducting fieldwork in residential settings.

This project is an opportunity for a LISS DTP PhD student to collaborate with the WellHome multidisciplinary team to conduct a research study that highlights the challenges and opportunities of conducting fieldwork in residential settings.

The WellHome study is a community-based research project in West London exploring indoor and outdoor air pollution and its impact on asthma. Between October 2022 and December 2024, WellHome’s fieldwork involved visiting over 100 families in West London to install and retrieve air pollution sensors. As we approach the final stages of the study, we aim to gather insights from the WellHome fieldwork team who actively conducted site visits in participating homes. This investigation will focus on the ethical and emotional challenges faced by fieldworkers, exploring the complexities they encountered in the course of their work. It will examine the strategies they used to navigate these challenges, and the key lessons learned throughout the process.

Qualitative data will be collected through two 2 hours Focus Groups (FGs) and one-hour semi- structured interviews (n=12) with WellHome fieldworkers. Participants will be compensated with £25 per hour for both the FGs and the interviews. Insights from the qualitative data will be transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis to identify key patterns, challenges, and opportunities. These findings will serve as the primary source of data for an academic publication.
This study will provide valuable insights into the emotional and ethical dynamics fieldworkers face in the field and the coping mechanisms they develop in response. These insights will support the enhancement of better research practices, fostering improved participant engagement, retention, and data collection methods.

• Conduct a narrative review of existing literature on challenges and best practices when conducting fieldwork in residential settings.
• Conduct two 2 hours focus group and up to 12 interviews with WellHome Fieldworkers.
• Analyse data gathered through focus groups and interviews.
• Collaborate on academic writing, contributing as a co-author on a peer-reviewed journal article.

Targets and / goals

• Conduct a narrative review by the end of month 1.
• Successfully conduct and transcribe two focus groups and up to 12 interviews by the end of month 1.
• Complete thematic analysis and identify key themes by the end of month 2.
• Produce a draft manuscript for academic publication by the end of month 3.

The topic guides for both focus groups and interviews have already been developed and ethical approval for this work has been granted.

The student will receive administrative support from the WellHome team to organise the focus groups and interviews.

• Hands-on training in qualitative research methods, including data collection, management and analysis.
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary team, enhancing their communication and teamwork skills.
• Developing personal and professional skills by interacting with stakeholders, including fieldworkers and academic supervisor.
• Practice in academic writing through co-authorship of a peer-reviewed journal article.

• Background in social sciences, public health, environmental studies, or related fields.
• Experience or interest in qualitative research methods, including interviews and focus groups.
• Strong academic writing skills with an interest in publishing research.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating within a larger research team.

• Co-authoring a peer-reviewed journal article, contributing to their academic portfolio.
• Presenting findings in internal research meetings, conferences, or policy discussions.
• Writing a short blog about their internship experience to be published on our ERG website as part of our educational portfolio

https://www.imperial.ac.uk/school-public-health/environmental-research-group/

1. Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and suitability to the project supervisor(s). Please contact the project supervisor(s) in advance of submitting the application with any questions.

2. If selected by the project supervisor, the student must then complete the Placement /Internship Application form. This ensures that there is approval of PhD supervisor, and the necessary information is obtained to extend funding (for DTP1 students) or confirm placement requirement fulfilled (for DTP2 students), and to fulfil ESRC reporting obligations.  

Please note:

• Research Assistant Internships must not be undertaken with the student’s current supervisor and/or home department.
• DTP1 students (those whose funding commenced before Oct24): a maximum of 4 Research Assistant internships will be funded. These will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the 4 DTP1 places are filled, we will inform PIs that only DTP2 students are eligible for the Research Assistant internships. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL DTP1 PLACES HAVE NOW BEEN FILLED.
• DTP2 students (those whose funding commenced from Oct24): are required to complete a 3-month placement, which is funded through their studentship. No limits to number that can be funded.
• Reports: at the conclusion of the internship, the student will be required to complete an internship report, which will include a question for the internship host to feedback on the internship.

Contact liss-dtp@kcl.ac.uk with any questions.