Research Design Advisor

University of Southampton; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Generous holiday allowance

University closure days

Job summary

University of Southampton invites applications for a Senior Research Design Advisor to support researchers developing NIHR funding applications. The role focuses on epidemiology and qualitative methods, with desirable knowledge in AI, neurodivergence, women's health, climate change, and nutrition.

Flexible working is available, and the post is offered part-time (2–3 days per week) until 30 September 2028. Join the NIHR RSS Hub (RSS USP) within the Faculty of Medicine, collaborating with national

Qualifications

• Expertise in epidemiology or qualitative research is required.
• Strong communication and consultation skills for research design advice.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality research design advice to investigators applying for NIHR funding.
• Support delivery of research studies and ensure fundable design across health and social care contexts.

Skills

Epidemiology

Qualitative research

Artificial intelligence

Neurodivergence awareness

Women’s health

Climate change

Nutrition

Job description

This is an opportunity to join a team of methodologists providing research design advice to researchers who are in the process of developing funding applications for health and social care research. You will be part of the NIHR Research Support Service Hub delivered by the University of Southampton and Partners (RSS USP), located in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Southampton.

The NIHR Research Support Service (RSS) is a national initiative providing access to research support, advice, design and collaboration, from planning through to delivery for researchers working across the remit of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in England. Our Hub has also been designated as an NIHR RSS Specialist Centre in Public Health.

Our Hub is a collaboration between partner organisations making up a team of highly experienced methodologists, researchers and public health practitioners. The team includes research advisors with expertise in medical statistics, clinical trials, epidemiology, qualitative research, mixed methods, health economics, and public involvement in research. Our partnership includes the Universities of Oxford, Oxford Brookes and Portsmouth, and the local authorities for Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Portsmouth and Southampton.

We are seeking a Senior Research Design Advisor with an ability to provide high-quality research design advice and support to investigators applying for research funding (particularly NIHR).

The successful applicant will have expertise in epidemiology and/or qualitative research. Knowledge of one or more the following in a health or social care context would also be desirable: artificial intelligence, neurodivergence, women's health, climate change, nutrition.

You will possess excellent communication and consultation skills. You will have an understanding of what is required to produce a high-quality research funding application and to deliver a research study successfully.

This role is offered part-time, at either two or three days per week. It is fixed term until 30 September 2028, with a possibility of extension.

The University of Southampton offers a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days. We are open to a flexible working approach.