Research Fellow - Department of Applied Health Sciences - 104905 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Birmingham is seeking an experienced qualitative researcher for the PRE-EMPT study aimed at preventing pre-term birth. This role involves leading qualitative research on barriers to cervical length screening and treatment among first-time mothers, with opportunities for hybrid or remote working. Collaborate with renowned maternal health teams and execute high-impact research with implications for maternal and neonatal health.

Qualifications

• Expertise in qualitative research methodologies and implementation science.
• Familiarity with working with underserved populations.
• High level analytical capability and ability to communicate complex information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Lead qualitative research for the PRE-EMPT study.
• Contribute to data collection, analysis, and publication of findings.
• Recruit and consent research participants with a focus on inclusivity.

Skills

Qualitative Research

Implementation Science

Behaviour Change

Analytical Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Inclusivity

Education

First degree in area of specialism

Higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent

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 £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to 2 years

Closing date: 14th July 2025

Interviews will take place on 6th August 2025

Previous candidates need not apply

Background

We are seeking an experienced and autonomous qualitative researcher, with an interest in implementation science/behaviour change and maternity care, to join the PRE-EMPT study. This is a research project funded by the NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research with the aim of preventing pre-term birth through cervical length screening and treatment.

With support, you will lead the qualitative research within work package 1 (WP1) in the programme. WP1 will investigate health care workers/providers views on the barriers and facilitators that may affect the uptake of cervical length screening and treatment across diverse groups of first time mothers. Implementation science expertise is desired for this role.

You may also support qualitative research in Work Package 2 (investigating the barriers and facilitators affecting uptake of cervical length screening and treatment across diverse populations of women) and provide methodological support to other work packages where relevant, ensuring high-quality qualitative/multi method research integration within the broader research programme.

You will be based in the Department of Applied Health Sciencesat the University of Birmingham, working alongside internationally recognised maternal health research teams. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with partners from Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust and other key healthcare institutions involved in the project. Hybrid or remote working would be considered for this role.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a high-impact research project with real-world implications for maternal and neonatal health, working within leading academic and clinical teams.

Role Summary

• Work within the PRE-EMPT programme grant and its team of co-applicants
• Operate within area of specialism (implementation science/behaviour change/maternal health)
• Analyse and interpret data and research findings and results.
• Contribute to generating patient information, academic publications, and policy reports
• Contribute to public understanding of implementation/behavioural science, maternal health, and inequalities.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Contribute expertise on implementation science/behaviour change and qualitative research methodologies.
• Contribute to designing protocols and data collection tools like topic guides, as well as ethics applications.
• Identify, recruit and consent research participants with a focus on inclusivity and diversity.
• Conduct literature searching and reviewing.
• Lead public involvement activities with a diverse range of contributors.
• Collect qualitative data in a sensitive manner following established protocols.
• Analyse qualitative data using established and rigorous analytic methods.
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding.
• Disseminate research findings for publication such as in policy briefs, academic papers, and at research seminars, conferences.
• Ensure that dissemination pathways are accessible/inclusive.
• Undertake management and administration activities arising from the research project.
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration.
• Contribute to Departmental/School teaching-related activities and teaching -related administration.
• Contribute to writing bids and generate funding.
• Where appropriate, contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader.
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research.
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism andnormally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications.
• Expertise in one or more of the following qualitative research methodologies and methods, implementation science/behaviour change methodologies and methods, maternity care, and/or inequalities in health and wellbeing.
• Be familiar with implementation/behaviour change frameworks, and working with underserved populations.
• High level analytical capability.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Excellent ability to work as a team and independently including co-ordinating own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort.
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project.
• 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.

Further particulars can be foundhere

Informal enquiries to Christine McArthur, email: [e-mail]

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 everyoneon our website .