Research Associate - Department of Applied Health Sciences - 106064 - Grade 6

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in the UK is seeking a Research Associate for an important study on the hidden costs of hospital discharge. This role will involve conducting interviews, analyzing data, and synthesizing research findings. Ideal candidates will hold a Masters in Health Economics or related fields, with strong communication and time management skills. This fixed-term position offers a salary between £32,546 and £35,116.

Benefits

Opportunity for academic and personal growth

Supportive research environment

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate complex information in an accessible way.
• Willingness to travel within England for research interviews.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews and synthesize relevant documents.
• Prepare recruitment materials and study protocols.
• Conduct qualitative interviews with research participants.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data for research.

Skills

Effective communication

Time management

IT literacy

Organisational skills

Respectful communication with vulnerable adults

Education

Masters level degree in Health Economics or relevant field

Job description

Job Description

Position Details

Department of Applied Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £32,546 to £35,116 with potential progression once in post to £39,355

Grade: 6

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to May 2027

Closing date: 24th August 2025

Please note: We are advertising for both a Research Associate (106064) and a Research Fellow (106063), however there is only 1 post available.

Background

The successful applicant will work on the NIHR School for Social Care Research funded project: "Hidden Costs of Hospital Discharge: Understanding the costs and outcomes associated with Hospital Discharge from the perspective of people, carers and local authorities".

Most people who leave hospital can return to where they normally live and will get better without needing new or additional support. About 15% of people who no longer need hospital treatment need other forms of new support, such as community rehabilitation services or care at home. The number is even higher for older people and those who were treated for more serious illnesses/injury. The overall aim of the research study is to identify and estimate the "hidden costs" associated with hospital discharge, to older people themselves, family members and local authorities. In addition, the study will also explore the circumstances in which hidden costs are high and/or potentially avoidable.

The post-holder will be based in the Health Economics Unit in the Department of Applied Health Sciences.

Role Summary

The successful applicant will work on the NIHR School for Social Care Research funded project: "Hidden Costs of Hospital Discharge: Understanding the costs and outcomes associated with Hospital Discharge from the perspective of people, carers and local authorities".

Most people who leave hospital can return to where they normally live and will get better without needing new or additional support. About 15% of people who no longer need hospital treatment need other forms of new support, such as community rehabilitation services or care at home. The number is even higher for older people and those who were treated for more serious illnesses/injury. The overall aim of the research study is to identify and estimate the "hidden costs" associated with hospital discharge, to older people themselves, family members and local authorities. In addition, the study will also explore the circumstances in which hidden costs are high and/or potentially avoidable.

The post-holder will be based in the Health Economics Unit in the Department of Applied Health Sciences.

This is a fixed term contract of up to 20 months duration.

Main Duties

• Work under guidance to conduct a scoping review to identify and synthesise academic literature, policy and strategy documents relating to hospital discharge, including contacting local authorities and NHS organisations to request documents.
• Undertake appropriate training (such as "Good Clinical Practice").
• Contribute to the preparation of recruitment materials (information leaflets and consent forms), interview topic guides and the study protocol.
• Conduct telephone "check-in" meetings with research participants, providing information, answering questions about the study and building trust.
• Conduct qualitative interviews with research participants (older people recently discharged from hospital and their family members).
• Work with local authority and National Health Service (NHS) partners to obtain data on resource use from adult social care and health records.
• Identify and collect appropriate resource utilisation data and identify appropriate costs.
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods (as appropriate).
• Contribute to the analysis and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data.
• Assist with the preparation of information (summarising progress, methods and findings) to be reported at Advisory Board meetings and act upon guidance and recommendations from the Advisory Board.
• Contribute to the dissemination of research findings, in the form of blogs, academic papers, reports to the funder, and presentations at conferences).
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
• Provide guidance and support to a co-researcher with lived experience.
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research.
• Contribute to teaching activity within the Health Economics Unit, through small group teaching and dissertation supervision.
• Promote equality and values diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

Essential criteria:

• A Masters level degree in Health Economics or a relevant economics, health care or social sciences field.
• The ability to communicate complex information in a way that is accessible and clear to those who do not have an academic or economics background.
• Effective time management, IT literacy and organisation skills.
• Willingness to travel within England to conduct research interviews and engage with stakeholder groups.

Desirable:

• Training in or experience of conducting qualitative research.
• Training in how to conduct bottom-up economic costing.
• Experience of communicating effectively with vulnerable adults in a way that is respectful and inclusive (professional or voluntary experience).
• An awareness of and commitment to working in compliance with data protection regulations, and respecting and maintaining confidentiality.

Informal enquiries to Phil Kinghorn, email: [e-mail]

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