Research Associate/Assistant Research Professor (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health research institute seeks a talented research associate or assistant research professor to enhance healthcare quality and safety through innovative research. The ideal candidate will possess a PhD in health services research, extensive research skills, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. Full-time or part-time options are available. Interested candidates can engage in informal discussions before applying, with applications closing on 07 September 2025.

Qualifications

• Strong background and PhD in health services research.
• Extensive postdoctoral experience and research management.
• Significant track record of leading publications.

Responsibilities

• Support various studies to improve quality and safety in healthcare.
• Lead programmes of research and manage teams.
• Contribute to external funding applications.

Skills

Qualitative research

Quantitative research

Mixed methods

Academic writing

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

PhD in health services research

Job description

Funded by the Health Foundation, THIS Institute has a remit to advance research into how to improve the quality and safety of patient care. The institute hosts around 60 staff, consisting of academics, operational and communications staff and visiting research fellows. It has strong links across University of Cambridge departments, with RAND Europe, a not-for-profit Cambridge-based research organisation, and with Homerton College, Cambridge, as well as with multiple external partners.

We are seeking a talented research associate (Grade 7) or assistant research professor (Grade 9) with strong skills in health services research (broadly defined) to work across a range of studies. With a background in qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods, the postholder will support an exciting and innovative multi-project collaborative research programme focused on how to improve quality and safety in healthcare. At assistant research professor level, the postholder will lead programmes of research, manage teams of multidisciplinary researchers, and contribute to applications for external funding.

You will have strengths in qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods research. You will undertake activities ranging from preparation of protocols and applications for ethical and governance approval through to data collection, data analysis and contributing to peer-reviewed publications and presentations, while consistently supporting THIS Institute's commitment to highly inclusive research and stakeholder engagement. At assistant research professor level, you will lead research studies and teams of researchers and contribute to efforts to secure new funding for the institute. Opportunities to contribute to teaching will be available.

You will be a highly motivated researcher with a strong background and PhD in a relevant area of health services research with highly developed research skills including strengths mixed methods data analysis, academic writing, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills. For consideration for appointment at assistant research professor level, you will have extensive postdoctoral experience, including research management and leadership, and a significant track record of leading publications.

The post is full-time, but part-time applications will be considered for a minimum of 0.6 FTE.

The funding for this post is available until 31 March 2027.

*Appointment at Assistant Research Professor (or equivalent) level, is subject to meeting the relevant criteria and Faculty Board approval is required before any job offer can be made.

The post will be based at Strangeways Research Laboratory, Worts Causeway, Cambridge CB1 8RN (approximately 2.5 miles south of the city centre).

Informal discussions about the post are strongly encouraged. Please contact Graham Martin, Director of Research at THIS Institute, by e-mail: [e-mail]

Closing date: 07 September 2025

Interview Date: 22 September 2025

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Please quote reference RH46874 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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