Research Fellow (Qualitative and Wider Engagement)

University of Plymouth; Plymouth; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A UK-based university is seeking a part-time researcher for a large NIHR-funded study on end-of-life care. The role involves qualitative research to understand factors affecting care quality. Applicants should have experience in conducting fieldwork and analyzing qualitative data. This position is based at the university, with flexibility for hybrid working arrangements. Generous annual leave, pension schemes, and development opportunities are included, making it an attractive opportunity for eligible candidates.

Benefits

35 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Generous pension scheme

Cycle to Work & electric car scheme

Employee assistance programme

Development opportunities

Enhanced family leave

Flexible working

Retailer discounts

On-site nursery

Qualifications

• Experience with qualitative methods and confident in conducting fieldwork.
• Ability to analyze qualitative data effectively.
• Experience engaging in scoping processes for research.

Responsibilities

• Support two work packages in a NIHR-funded study.
• Conduct in-depth qualitative case studies in rural and coastal areas.
• Collaborate with research team for analysis and dissemination.

Skills

Qualitative methods

Data analysis

Fieldwork in health settings

Participatory research

Job description

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity to be part of a large NIHR‑funded study exploring what is working and what isn’t in the care of people at the end of their lives (https://fundingawards.nihr.ac.uk/award/NIHR167160). The study is led by Associate Professor Susie Pearce at the University of Plymouth (UoP), with project partners located at various universities, NHS institutions and organisations in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. The study uses a participatory realist approach and has four work packages. This post will support two of these work packages:

Work packages

• Work Package 1 (WP1): conducting in‑depth qualitative case studies in rural and coastal areas. This includes interviews, observations, and focus groups with patients, families, professionals, and community organisations to understand what supports or hinders high‑quality end‑of‑life care.
• Work Package 3 (WP3): supporting local scoping and wider engagement to support the collection of locally collected routine data to explore access, patterns of care, and inequalities in end‑of‑life care provision.

You will be based at UoP and line‑managed by Susie Pearce with support from other co‑investigators. The role involves working closely with both qualitative and quantitative leads across the research team and supporting integrated analysis and dissemination. The post will be based in the School of Nursing and Midwifery within the Faculty of Health.

The School of Nursing and Midwifery works in partnership with local NHS trusts and other health care providers to drive forward clinical research and support students in their learning to become the best nurses and midwives they can be. An interdisciplinary approach to research covers health services and delivery research, digital technologies, workforce research, and how knowledge is translated into practice and policy.

This role will require an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check plus an Adult’s Barred List check. This is a part‑time position working 29.6 hours per week on a fixed‑term basis until 31 January 2028. Requests for part time working will be considered.

Requirements

We are looking for a researcher with experience in both qualitative methods with the ability to support. You should be confident conducting fieldwork in health and care settings, analysing qualitative data, and wider scoping and engagement processes. Experience of participatory or realist research is desirable but not essential. Applicants who have previously worked in sensitive research areas or with vulnerable populations are particularly encouraged to apply.

The role will be based at Intercity Place at the University of Plymouth, with data collection for the case studies in Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset with an opportunity to discuss a hybrid online and in‑person working pattern. You will be required to travel regularly to Plymouth as well as collecting data from health and care providers in the regions listed above. These may not always be accessible by public transport.

Disability Confident

Disability Confident employers will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high‑volume, seasonal and high‑peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non‑disabled people. For more details please go to .

About the Faculty of Health

The Faculty of Health holds four Silver Athena Swan awards, which recognise our commitment to supporting gender equality within higher education. The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our two strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute and the Sustainable Earth Institute. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.

Application Process

Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course. Anticipated interview date: Interviews will likely take place on 18 December 2025 via Microsoft Teams. Our offer staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave: 35 days annual leave plus bank holidays & closure days
• Generous pension scheme
• Cycle to Work & electric car scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Development opportunities
• Enhanced family leave
• Flexible working
• Retailer discounts
• On‑site nursery

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.