Research Associate - Department of Applied Health Sciences - 106834 - Grade 6

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Research Associate to assist in research within the Department of Applied Health Sciences. The role involves qualitative data collection and analysis, working with community partners and researchers, and contributing to publications. Applicants should hold a degree in a relevant area and possess qualitative research skills. The position is full-time with a salary range of £33,002 to £35,608, and is fixed-term until February 2029.

Qualifications

• Practical experience of applying qualitative research skills and techniques.
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively.
• Experience of working with vulnerable groups or in safeguarding-sensitive settings is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Collect research data through various methods.
• Analyse research data as directed.
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications.

Skills

Qualitative research skills

Interviewing

Focus groups

Data analysis

Education

Degree in relevant subject area (e.g., social sciences, criminology, sociology)

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 £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression once in post to £39,906

Grade: 6

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to February 2029

Closing date: 11th January 2026

Background

To assist in research (by carrying out data collection or analyses) to create knowledge through providing research support for projects and research groups. This post will sit within the Department of Applied Health Sciences and will support the delivery of the NIHR Research Professorship awarded to Professor Joht Singh Chandan: NIHR Research Professorship (NIHR306365) https://fundingawards.nihr.ac.uk/award/NIHR306365.

The Research Associate will work primarily on Work Packages One and Three, supporting qualitative research into:

• survivor engagement and lived-experience leadership
• co-production and participatory research
• trauma-informed care within health and maternity services
• inequalities in access, experience and outcomes
• qualitative evaluation of implementation processes.

The post holder will operate within the qualitative area of specialism and support the team by:

• collecting qualitative data using interviews, focus groups, observation and participatory workshops
• assisting with co-production activities involving survivors and service users
• contributing to thematic and framework analysis under supervision
• assisting with the development of research tools, recruitment strategies and ethics documentation
• contributing to the preparation of publications, reports and presentations

This role involves close collaboration with survivors, community partners, clinicians and researchers. The post holder will work closely with the Grade 8 Qualitative Research Fellow and contribute to broader interdisciplinary activity across the Professorship programme. There may be occasional contributions to related projects within Professor Chandan’s wider portfolio, including the NIHR Global Health Research Group, where qualitative and evaluation skills are relevant: https://fundingawards.nihr.ac.uk/award/NIHR156915.

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and/or projects
• Operate within area of specialism
• Contribute to publications

Main Duties

• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Analyse research data as directed
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

• Degree or equivalent in relevant subject area(e.g., social sciences, criminology, sociology, health services research, psychology, public health).
• Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques such as qualitative research skills, interviewing, focus groups or qualitative data handling.
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully
• Experience of working with vulnerable groups or in safeguarding-sensitive settings is desirable.
• Experience supporting applied evaluation or service improvement projects is desirable
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

DBS required

The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory DBS clearance prior to appointment.

Further particulars can be found here.

Informal enquiries to Joht Chandan, email: [e-mail]

Use of AI in applications

We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.