Research Fellow - Department of Applied Health Sciences - 106063 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK research institution seeks a Research Associate to join a project examining the hidden costs of hospital discharge. The role involves data gathering and analysis, project management, and dissemination of findings. The ideal candidate holds a PhD in Health Economics or a relevant field, with strong communication and research coordination skills. This is a full-time, fixed-term position lasting up to 20 months, based in Birmingham.

Qualifications

• Experience in coordinating research tasks and achieving objectives.
• Publication record appropriate to grade and career stage.
• Commitment to data protection and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Conduct qualitative interviews with research participants.
• Analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative data.
• Prepare information for reporting at Advisory Board meetings.

Skills

Research coordination

Effective communication

Time management

Qualitative analysis

Education

PhD in Health Economics or relevant field

Job description

Position Details

School of Chemistry

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 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

Within a multidisciplinary team (and operating within their area of specialism), the post-holder will contribute to achieving research objectives by gathering and analysing qualitative and quantitative data, undertaking project management and administration related activities and dissemination. Work will be undertaken as part of a s specified research grant (“Hidden Costs of Hospital Discharge: Understanding the costs and outcomes associated with Hospital Discharge from the perspective of people, carers and local authorities”).In addition, the post-holder may be expected to contribute to writing bids for future research funding.

Appointment will be conditional upon assessment of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

The post holder will typically be expected to work on the University of Birmingham campus three or more days per week. The post holder will also be expected to plan appropriately for their own future career development, which may include networking and submitting funding applications.

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

Main Duties

• 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
• Analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative data
• Prepare information (summarising progress, methods and findings) to report at Advisory Board meetings and act upon guidance and recommendations from the Advisory Board.
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings, in the form of blogs, academic papers, reports to the funder, and presentations at conferences).
• Contribute to teaching activity within the Health Economics Unit, through small group teaching and dissertation supervision.
• Contribute to Departmental research-related activities and research-related administration
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a
• Promote equality and values diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture mentor if required.
• Contribute to writing bids for funding.

Person Specification

Essential:

• A PhD in Health Economics or a relevant economics, health care or social sciences field.
• Experience of coordinating research tasks and achieving objectives within defined timescales.
• A publication record appropriate to grade and career stage
• 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.
• A track record and commitment to working in compliance with data protection regulations, and respecting and maintaining confidentiality.
• Effective time management, IT literacy and organisation skills.
• Willingness to travel within England to conduct research interviews and engage with stakeholder groups.

Desirable:

• Experience of conducting qualitative research (interviews and analysis)
• Knowledge of how to conduct bottom-up economic costing
• Knowledge and experience of the health and/or social care sectors.
• Experience of communicating effectively with vulnerable adults in a way that is respectful and inclusive.
• Teaching experience appropriate to role and career stage

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.

Informal enquiries to Hamish Yeung, email: [e-mail]

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