Senior Research Design Advisor

University of South Hampton; Southampton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday allowance

Flexible working

Job summary

University of Southampton invites applications for a Senior Research Design Advisor to support researchers preparing NIHR funding applications within the RSS USP. The role sits in the NIHR Research Support Service Hub and involves epidemiology and qualitative research expertise to shape study design and dissemination.

The position is offered part-time, fixed term until 30 September 2028, with flexible working options and in-person interviews at Southampton General Hospital.

Qualifications

• Experience advising investigators on funding applications.
• Knowledge of NIHR funding processes is desirable.
• Excellent communication and consultation skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality research design advice to investigators applying for funding.
• Support researchers from planning through to study delivery in health and social care contexts.
• Collaborate with partner organisations in our network.

Skills

Research design

Epidemiology

Qualitative research

Health research

Job description

This is an opportunity to join a team of methodologists providing research design advice to researchers who are in the process of developing funding applications for health and social care research. You will be part of the NIHR Research Support Service Hub delivered by the University of Southampton and Partners (RSS USP), located in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Southampton.
The NIHR Research Support Service (RSS) is a national initiative providing access to research support, advice, design and collaboration, from planning through to delivery for researchers working across the remit of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in England. Our Hub has also been designated as an NIHR RSS Specialist Centre in Public Health.

Our Hub is a collaboration between partner organisations making up a team of highly experienced methodologists, researchers and public health practitioners. The team includes research advisors with expertise in medical statistics, clinical trials, epidemiology, qualitative research, mixed methods, health economics, and public involvement in research. Our partnership includes the Universities of Oxford, Oxford Brookes and Portsmouth, and the local authorities for Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Portsmouth and Southampton.
We are seeking a Senior Research Design Advisor with an ability to provide high-quality research design advice and support to investigators applying for research funding (particularly NIHR).

The successful applicant will have expertise in epidemiology and/or qualitative research. Knowledge of one or more the following in a health or social care context would also be desirable: artificial intelligence, neurodivergence, women's health, climate change, nutrition.

You will possess excellent communication and consultation skills. You will have an understanding of what is required to produce a high-quality research funding application and to deliver a research study successfully.

This role is offered part-time, at either two or three days per week. It is fixed term until 30 September 2028, with a possibility of extension.

The University of Southampton offers a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days. We are open to a flexible working approach.

Interviews will be held in-person at Southampton General Hospital on Tuesday 12th January 2027.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.