Research Fellow - Department of Applied Health Sciences - 106260 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious UK university is seeking a Grade 7 Research Fellow to conduct qualitative research concerning Direct To Consumer Tests. This full-time fixed-term position offers a salary ranging from £36,636 to £46,049 and is part of an innovative team dedicated to impactful health research. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills and experience in qualitative research methodologies. Apply to join a dynamic and diverse academic community.

Qualifications

• Experience in qualitative/multi method research.
• Ability to lead qualitative interviews and focus groups.
• Knowledge of evaluation, regulation, and marketing of Direct To Consumer Tests.

Responsibilities

• Lead qualitative and multi-method research.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret qualitative data.
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding.

Skills

High level analytical capability

Ability to communicate complex information clearly

Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods

Understanding of resource requirements

Education

First degree in area of specialism

Higher degree relevant to research area

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 £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2026

Closing date: 13th October 2025

This role is also open as an internal secondment opportunity which would need to be agreed by your current line manager.

Please note: We are advertising for both a Grade 7 Research Fellow (106260) and a Grade 8 Research Fellow (106267), however there is only 1 post available.

Background

We are seeking to appoint an autonomous and experienced qualitative/multi methods grade 7 research fellow to a programme of research concerned with development of guidance for the evaluation, regulation and marketing of Direct To Consumer Tests, (GUIDE-DTCT), commissioned and funded by Cancer Research UK (PICCTR-2023/100038).

Building on a mapping review of existing regulation and guidance and surveys of the high street and online DTCT markets, the post holder will:

• Lead qualitative interviews and focus groups with relevant stakeholders (healthcare professionals, regulatory agencies, retailers, and the public) regarding opportunities and challenges that are posed by existing and proposed changes to existing guidance and regulatory frameworks


• Lead a consensus exercise to co-produce good practice guidance for the evaluation, (including useability, consumer and health service impact assessment), regulation, marketing and post market surveillance of Direct To Consumer Tests (DTCT).


• Present high quality findings in a variety of formats for a diverse audience, including peer reviewed publications

The post offers an exciting opportunity to work within the internationally leading Biostatistics, Evidence Synthesis, Test Evaluation and Modelling (BESTEAM) team. The post-holder will be based in the Department of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Birmingham. The successful candidate will start as soon as possible. Less than full time and job share could be accommodated.

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids


• Operate within area of specialism


• Analyse and interpret research findings and results


• Contribute to generating funding


• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

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

• Lead qualitative and multi method research as part of the CRUK funded GUIDE-DTCT Study


• Identify, recruit and consent research participants


• Collect, analyse and interpret qualitative and multi method data using appropriate methods


• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required


• Contribute to writing bids for research funding


• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding


• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc


• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline


• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods


• Undertake management/administration arising from research


• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration


• 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


• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters


• 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 and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications


• High level analytical capability


• Ability to communicate complex information clearly


• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones


• 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


• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort


• 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 found here

Informal enquiries to Sarah Perrott, email: [e-mail]

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