Senior Research Associate in Life Cycle Assessment - 1090-26

Lancaster University; Lancashire; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancaster University invites applications for a Senior Research Associate in Life Cycle Assessment at Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK. You will contribute to the NIHR RSS contract and advance environmental sustainability research in health and care, leading methodology and collaborating with a small team.

The role demands a strong research background, peer‑reviewed publications, and a willingness to work with partners across academia and beyond.

Qualifications

• Background in an area of relevance (e.g. environmental impact assessment, buildings / estates decarbonisation, energy efficiency).
• Track record of high-quality peer reviewed publications/grant income appropriate to your career stage.

Responsibilities

• Provide expertise in research methodology and topics relevant to priority research areas including sustainability in health and care (focussed on life cycle assessment/environmental footprinting).
• Deliver NIHR RSS contract work in collaboration with the RSS Sustainability Strategic Theme Lead and a team of researchers.
• Collaborate with partners within and outside the academic setting and contribute to ongoing funded research.

Job description

Senior Research Associate in Life Cycle Assessment

Lancaster Medical School

Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK

Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 (Full time, indefinite with end date)

Closing Date: Sunday 25 October 2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Reference: 1090-26

Job Description

This is an opportunity for an experienced researcher to make a real contribution both to delivering Lancaster University’s contract with the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Research Support Service (RSS) and progressing their own research career, within the field of environmental sustainability in health and care.

Working with the RSS Sustainability Strategic Theme Lead and a small team of fellow researchers, the appointee will provide expertise in research methodology and topics relevant to priority research areas including sustainability in health and care (focussed on life cycle assessment/environmental footprinting).

The RSS aim is to provide researchers, especially (but not exclusively) those applying for and in receipt of NIHR funding with free access to support and expertise. Lancaster is host to one of eight RSS Hubs delivering the national service and the NIHR RSS Specialist Centre for Social Care, in partnership with the Universities of Liverpool and Manchester, and Manchester Metropolitan University.

You will have a background in an area of relevance (e.g. environmental impact assessment, buildings / estates decarbonisation, energy efficiency), ideally experience in a variety of research methodologies and experience of working collaboratively with partners within and outside the academic setting. You will also have a track record of high-quality peer reviewed publications/grant income appropriate to your career stage.

Lancaster Medical School provides a friendly environment strongly supporting the individual needs of each employee and actively promotes a healthy work-life balance. The Faculty is committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies and has held a Silver Athena SWAN award since 2014 in recognition of its good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education and research.

The position is available for immediate start, and we are open to discussing flexible working arrangements including working week and days/hours worked, flexible start and finish times or condensed hours.

The role is open to being undertaken remotely but there will be certain duties/responsibilities that require in-person presence at Lancaster University. The balance will be agreed with the successful candidate.

You will join us on an indefinite contract however the roles remain contingent on external funding which currently is due to end on 30th September 2028.

Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.

Benefits

Find out what it's like to work at Lancaster University, including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family-friendly workplace.

The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all our colleagues.

Person Specification

We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.