Research Fellow - Qualitative Study

NHS; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Greater London is seeking a Research Fellow to support a qualitative study on the impact of hospital green spaces for stroke in‑patients, their families, and staff. The role involves conducting contextual data collection, interviews, and behavioural mapping, under the guidance of experienced researchers. Ideal candidates will have a postgraduate education in health research and possess strong interpersonal and communication skills. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to vital research in stroke recovery.

Benefits

Comprehensive health services

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Educated to post‑graduate level or equivalent experience in a health or health research related subject.
• Research qualification (Masters/PhD) or equivalent experience.
• Experience of effective multi-disciplinary team working.
• Experience of conducting qualitative interviews.
• Experience in undertaking behavioural mapping.

Responsibilities

• Gather information about demographic and stroke data.
• Conduct behavioural mapping and record space usage.
• Perform semi-structured interviews with patients and staff.
• Lead and refine data collection tools and ensure ethical compliance.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office software

Effective organisational skills

Education

Post‑graduate level education in a health-related subject

Research qualification (Masters/PhD)

Tools

NVivo

Job description

Research Fellow - Qualitative Study

The closing date is 21 December 2025

We are looking to recruit a researcher with expertise in qualitative research methodologies to support delivery of a new research project funded by the Stroke Association. The research team is led from the Academic Unit for Ageing and Stroke Research (ASR, University of Leeds/Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust https://ageingstrokeresearch.org/) and includes stroke survivors and colleagues from Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Manchester Metropolitan University. The study will explore the use and potential impact of hospital‑based green spaces for stroke in‑patients, their visitors and staff. The study will adopt a mixed methods approach and will be undertaken across three stroke units.

The post‑holder will contribute to implementing the qualitative research components of the project. This will involve conducting contextual data collection, behavioural mapping and semi‑structured interviews. They will be supported throughout by experienced researchers in the team.

We welcome internal applications for this role as a secondment. Before applying, please make sure you have discussed the opportunity with your current line manager and obtained their approval.

Main duties of the job

• Gather information about the hospital catchment population demographics (e.g., ethnicity, deprivation, population of catchment area) and detailed organisational stroke data available through the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme.
• Behavioural Mapping – position in the garden area and record usage of the space by means of a structured observation schedule with categories of activity.
• Semi‑structured Interviews – interview patients, visiting family/friends and staff who have used or not used the garden to understand their experiences and views.
• Lead implementation and be responsible for refining and piloting data collection tools, gaining informed consent from participants, ensuring compliance with all ethical frameworks, working closely with senior staff on the ward, and preparing and presenting regular reports on work undertaken.

About us

Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a high performing and flourishing organisation serving the population of Hackney, East London, the City and beyond. Homerton Hospital has recently attained the highest possible rating of “Outstanding” from the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Our integrated Trust provides comprehensive hospital and community health services for its local population and a range of specialist services for a wider group of patients. In addition, the Trust manages services out of St Leonard's Hospital and the Mary Seacole Nursing Home.

Homerton aims to ensure equality and value diversity, and we are committed to inclusion for all of our staff. This is reflected in our policies, procedures and People Plan. All of our staff are expected to embody our Trust values at all times. We are also committed, through our Fair Recruitment Standards, to ensuring all applicants are treated fairly. Homerton has a proud tradition of supporting and developing its staff, including its well‑regarded and valued nursing community, and all staff are able to take advantage of a great range of benefits.

Homerton is proud to have been included on the HSJ & Nursing Times Best Places to Work list.

Person Specification

Education / Qualifications

• Educated to post‑graduate level or equivalent experience in a health or health research related subject.
• Research qualification (Masters/PhD) or equivalent experience.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software.
• Effective organisational skills.

Experience

• Experience of effective multi‑disciplinary team working.
• Experience of conducting qualitative interviews.
• Experience of analysing and interpreting qualitative data.
• Experience of conducting research in an NHS /academic setting.
• Experience of conducting qualitative research with older people or stroke survivors.
• Experience in undertaking behavioural mapping.
• Experience of working with ethnic minority groups.

Knowledge

• Understanding of what the NHS Constitution means to you, and your responsibilities to the public, patients and colleagues.
• Understanding of Information Governance and Confidentiality.
• Understanding of equality and diversity issues and how this affects patients, visitors and staff.
• Knowledge of the key issues in stroke research.
• Knowledge of qualitative software packages (e.g. NVivo).

Trust Values, Equal Opportunities & Other Requirements

• Understanding and demonstration of the Trust Values.
• Commitment and adherence to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust