Senior Research Fellow

University of Plymouth; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Plymouth seeks a post-doctoral researcher to coordinate qualitative research for an NIHR funded study focused on care at the end of life. The position is full-time and will include data collection in health settings across Devon and Cornwall. Strong skills in qualitative data collection and participatory research are essential. The role offers flexible working options and a supportive academic environment.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Development opportunities

Flexible working

Retailer discounts

On-site nursery

Qualifications

• Experience in qualitative data collection within health and care settings.
• Experience co-leading workshops and analysis.
• Ability to work with vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate two work packages in qualitative research.
• Conduct qualitative case studies and participatory workshops.
• Travel for data collection across Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset.

Skills

Qualitative data collection

Participatory research

Realist research

Report writing

Experience with vulnerable populations

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity to be part of a large NIHR funded study exploring what is working and not working in the care of people at the end of their lives.

About the role

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 work with two of the work packages – the qualitative case studies in work package 1 and participatory realist workshops in work package 4. You will be based at UoP and line‑managed by Susie. You will work closely with the principal investigator Susie, who is leading the case studies, and Mark Pearson (Professor of Implementation Science, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull), who is leading the realist synthesis and participatory realist workshops. You will also work closely with all the co‑investigators and the rest of the research team supporting the day‑to‑day running of the qualitative case studies and the study as a whole.

The position will suit a talented post‑doctoral, qualitative/realist researcher who is confident in undertaking qualitative data collection within health and care settings, and who has experience of participatory and realist research. You will co‑lead the realist participatory workshops and analysis and have an active role in report writing. Applicants who have previously undertaken research in sensitive areas with vulnerable populations are particularly sought.

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.

For more information on School of Nursing and Midwifery please visit our dedicated webpage at https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools.

For this role, you will need to be on site 3 days a week. Although we can accommodate working from home for this role, flexibility to be on‑site will be expected due to business needs. Due to the nature of this role, a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service Check will be required. There is an essential requirement within this role that you will be required to travel to and work at different University sites and/or other business locations that may not be easily accessible by public transport. The successful candidate may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role, please contact Susie Pearce by email at [e-mail].

What we’re looking for

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.

For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.

Interviews

Interviews will be on 10 December via a Zoom meeting. You will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.

Working hours and contract

This is a full‑time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed‑term basis until 31 January 2028. Requests for part time working will be considered.

About us

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

Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.

Our Offer

• Generous annual leave: 35* Days Annual Leave (pro rata if part‑time) 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

*Pro rata if part‑time/fixed term contract

Additional Information

The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background. To find out more about our inclusive community initiatives, such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter.