Research Associate qualitative (StaffTIME2)

Gmmh; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pay enhancements

Annual leave

Job summary

GMMH is seeking a Band 6 post on a NIHR-funded mixed-methods study to support qualitative evaluation of a Workplace Trauma Support intervention for acute mental health ward staff. The role emphasises staff experiences of racism, homophobia, and identity-based trauma, with opportunities for publication.

The post-holder will collaborate with NHS trusts across England, lead qualitative analyses, and contribute to dissemination while benefiting from 30% pay enhancements on evenings/weekends and

Qualifications

• Experience of conducting qualitative research and publications.
• Experience with qualitative data analysis software (e.g. NVivo).
• Experience recruiting research participants from diverse communities often under-represented in research.
• Experience working on acute mental health inpatient wards.

Responsibilities

• Lead qualitative data analysis, report writing and paper preparation.
• Coordinate with NHS sites across England to support study recruitment and conduct interviews and observations.
• Contribute to trial management and opportunities for academic dissemination at conferences and journals.

Skills

Qualitative research

Semi-structured interviews

NVivo

Thematic analysis

Diverse communities recruitment

Inpatient wards experience

Education

Good Honours Degree in Psychology or related field (2:1+)

Master’s Degree or equivalent experience

PhD in Psychology or related field

Tools

NVivo

Job description

Band 6

Main area Mental Health Grade Band 6 Contract 12 months (Fixed term) Hours

• Full time
• Job share
• Flexible working

37.5 hours per week Job ref 437-8240972

Site Central Park Town Manchester Salary £39,959 - £48,117 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 07/10/2026 23:59

Job overview

Staff who work on inpatient mental health wards experience violence and aggression, verbal abuse, and see patients harming themselves. They also hear about child abuse and other traumatic experiences that patients have experienced in the past. We also know that staff from minoritised communities experience identity-targeted incidents, including racism, homophobia, and transphobia, including discrimination from within the NHS. Together, these experiences are known as ‘workplace trauma.’

The post-holder will work alongside colleagues on an NIHR-funded mixed-methods research study to support the qualitative evaluation of a team-based Workplace Trauma Support intervention for staff working on acute mental health wards. The study and its intervention has a focus on supporting staff affected by racism, homophobia, and other identity-based trauma.

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of communities to apply for the post, including people from diverse ethnic communities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, and/or who identify as having a disability or as being neurodivergent.

Experience of recruiting research participants from diverse communities that are often under-represented in research would therefore be beneficial for the role, as would an understanding of identity-based trauma, including racism and homophobia; and prior experience of working on acute mental health inpatient wards.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be expected to have proven and substantial experience in conducting qualitative research; for example, by having previously assisted in the running of a funded research study and/or postgraduate (Masters or PhD) study, and a track record of publications.

The post holder will liaise with stakeholders, R&D departments, and clinical teams at our study sites (NHS mental health trusts) across England to support study recruitment; and carry out observations of acute mental health wards and conduct semi-structured qualitative interviews with staff members on wards across the UK about their experiences of workplace trauma support interventions. They may be required to assist with other activities, including engagement and consultation with patient and public involvement and staff consultation groups; contribution to trial management; and there may be opportunities to support the supervision of the project’s research assistants.

The post holder will lead on qualitative data analysis, report writing, and paper write-up, and there will be opportunities for academic development, including contribution to journal papers and presentations at national/international conferences.

Working for our organisation

Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 122 locations.

We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford,Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.

Greater Manchester is one of the world's most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options.

Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity.

Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

See attached detailed job description and person specification:

• Pay Enhancements – 30% additional for Evenings (8pm onwards) and Saturdays and 60% additional for Sundays and Bank holidays.


• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years


• Good Honours Degree in Psychology or a related field (2:1 or above)


• Master’s Degree or equivalent experience


• PhD in Psychology or a relevant and related field

Experience

• Experience of conducting and analysing qualitative research (e.g. semi-structured interviews; ethnographic observations)


• Experience of qualitative computer packages (e.g. nVivo)


• Experience of using thematic analysis, framework analysis or other relevant methodology


• Experience of recruiting research participants from diverse communities that are often under-represented in research, such as Black, Asian and other diverse ethnic communities


• Experience of working on acute mental health inpatient wards


• Expertise and experience in liaising with research delivery networks; R&D teams; and clinical teams, to set up and conduct research in NHS settings


• Experience of management of randomised controlled trials of complex interventions

Knowledge

• Knowledge/experience of analysis and interpretation of qualitative data and of statistical/analytical research outcomes


• Knowledge and understanding of identity-targeted trauma, such as racial trauma, homophobia, transphobia.


• Knowledge of Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to take responsibility for planning and implementation of specific elements of research studies


• Ability to prepare and present research reports and presentations


• Ability to work independently with regular supervision, using initiative


• Demonstrable capability of working with large volumes of complex, sensitive and highly confidential information


• Experience of writing publications

Other Requirements

• ability to travel independently across the footprint of the Trust and national research sites as required by the role

Important Information about working for GMMH: All positions within the Trust are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, for further information on the checks required please visit the NHS Employers website www.nhsemployers.org

The Trust mandates all post holders who require a DBS for their role to subscribe to the DBS Update Service. You will be required to enrol for this service for a fee of £16 per year and maintain registration throughout your employment with GMMH.

Applicants are encouraged to apply for posts at Greater Manchester Mental Health who have direct experience of mental health, learning disability or drug and alcohol services either as a service user or a carer.

The Trust is also committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We are aspiring to ensure our workforce is representative of the diverse communities that we serve, and we are strongly committed to removing barriers to employment for candidates from under-represented groups, for example BAME, Disabled and LGBT+ communities. If you would like to have an informal chat about the recruitment process for this role or would value some additional support, we’d love to hear from you.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) when writing job applications

A candidate may utilise the help of AI when writing job application.The assessment of an application is made on its entirety and most times AI-generated content does not fully grasp the context and requirements of the job one applies for thus producing inaccurate and misleading information, especially in the supporting statement section of an application that can lack real life examples of one’s achievements, success and challenges.

We have added a disclaimer to our application process advising that the use of AI is monitored. GMMH reserves the right to follow up with a candidate at the interview on specific responses and those examples used in the supporting statement to explore it further.

Sponsorship

We are proud to be an approved sponsor for the Skilled Worker visa. Applications from individuals who require sponsorship will be considered alongside all other applications. Please be aware that not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible roles and salary requirements on the UK Government’s website – click here .

If you are offered a role with us and you require sponsorship, we will check your eligibility in line with the information on the above website. Your offer of employment could be withdrawn if the role is not eligible for sponsorship, and you are not otherwise able to evidence your right to work in the UK.

The Home Office introduces new changes from 22/07/2025 that impact the health and care sector, you may wish to familiarise with it here .

Do you have experience outside the NHS?

We want to attract and retain people with diverse skills and experience, to deliver inclusive healthcare services to our communities.

We will consider relevant experience outside the NHS to calculate your salary on appointment. Please contact our Recruitment Team for more information.

Please note, this vacancy may be closed at any time if sufficient applications have been received

Employer certification / accreditation badges

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

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