Senior Research Fellow

Senior Research Fellow

Cardiff Full-Time 52500 - 58500 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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Cardiff University

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead impactful research projects and grant applications in vision services.
  • Company: Join Cardiff University's Centre for Vision Services Research, a vibrant and inclusive organisation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, professional development opportunities, and competitive salary.
  • Other info: This is a fixed-term role for 5 years, offering a chance to shape the future of vision research.
  • Why this job: Make a difference in health services research while inspiring others in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: PhD in a related field with proven research expertise and successful grant funding experience.

The predicted salary is between 52500 - 58500 £ per year.

We are looking for a Senior Research Fellow to join the Centre for Vision Services Research team in the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences. In this role, you will lead research grant applications and projects, contributing to the research record of the newly established Centre for Vision Services Research through commitment to carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

We'd like to hear from you if you:

  • Have a well-established expertise and significant proven portfolio of research within the following research fields:
  • Health services research
  • Mixed methods approach
  • Proven record of attracting grant funding and contributing and leading successful research bids
  • We can offer you the chance to work in a vibrant organisation, with great benefits and opportunities for progression. We are a proud Living Wage supporter. As part of this role, we can explore the possibility of the successful candidate accessing further training and development.

    This role is eligible to be offered on a blended working basis, meaning that as well as spending time working on campus you may spend some time working from another location, e.g. your home. The University is committed to offering this flexibility, wherever the role and business need allows, supporting work-life balance.

    Please contact Barbara Ryan (ryanb@cardiff.ac.uk) for an informal, confidential discussion about the role.

    This post is fixed-term for a period of 5 years, full-time from 1 September 2025 until 31 March 2030. Salary: £60,907 - £66,537 per annum (Grade 8). Please be aware appointments are made at the bottom of the scale except in exceptional circumstances.

    Date advert posted: Friday, 13 June 2025

    Closing date: Friday, 11 July 2025

    Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age.

    In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements. Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

    Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published.

    Main function: Lead research grant applications and projects, contributing to the research record of the Centre for Vision Services through commitment to carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.

    Main duties and responsibilities:

    • Research
    • To conduct research within health services research and contribute to the overall internationally recognised research performance of the School and its Research Institutes
    • To generate and pursue independent and original research ideas in the field of research and support the initiation of new lines of research in related areas
    • Contribute to and lead successful research bids
    • To disseminate research findings through publishing in international academic journals, international conferences and/or other research outputs
    • Recruit, supervise and lead research teams and postgraduate research students, being responsible for their professional and academic development
    • To give invited addresses to professional meetings and conferences at national and international level, building networks to develop research outputs and standing within the field of health services research
    • To participate in School research activities.
    • To contribute fully to the management of postgraduate research.
  • Leadership
    • To provide academic leadership by co-ordinating the work of others to ensure areas of research are organised and delivered effectively.
    • To be involved in the departmental level strategic planning and contribute to wider strategic planning processes in the University.
    • Line management of other researchers.
  • Other
    • To contribute to and/or lead bids for consultancy and additional funds
    • To undertake and lead operational administrative responsibilities as requested by Head of School and senior management team
    • To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally and internationally to raise awareness of the School's profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the Centre and the enhancement of its regional, national, and international profile.
    • Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

    Your application will be assessed against the following essential and desirable criteria for the role. Please copy and paste this section into a new document and give clear examples of how you can evidence meeting each criteria by writing under each one. You can draw on elements from any aspect of your life (e.g. work, home, education/qualifications or community life) as long as you focus on their relevance to the role.

    Essential Criteria:

    • Qualifications and Education
    • Postgraduate degree at PhD level in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience
    • A well established expertise and significant proven portfolio of research within the following research fields:
    • Health services research
    • Mixed methods approaches
  • Established national and growing international reputation within academic field
  • Proven substantial record of publications in national and international journals and/or other research outputs.
  • Proven record of attracting grant funding and contributing and leading successful research bids
  • Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication
  • Proven ability to lead and develop a research team
  • Proven ability to attract and supervise MSc and PhD students
  • Proven record of academic leadership
  • Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work
  • Evidence of collaborations and track record within the vision care sector.
  • Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
  • Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the teaching and research activities of the School.
  • Proven record of taking responsibility for academically related administration.
  • Senior Research Fellow employer: Cardiff University

    Cardiff University offers an exceptional work environment for the Senior Research Fellow role, characterised by a vibrant culture that prioritises research excellence and employee development. With a commitment to work-life balance through flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on equality and diversity, employees are supported in their professional growth while contributing to impactful research in health services. The university's status as a Living Wage supporter further enhances its appeal as an employer dedicated to the well-being of its staff.
    Cardiff University

    Contact Detail:

    Cardiff University Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Senior Research Fellow

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network with professionals in the field of health services research. Attend conferences and seminars related to vision services to meet potential collaborators and mentors who can provide insights into the application process.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in health services research, particularly those related to vision care. This knowledge will help you articulate your ideas and demonstrate your commitment to advancing the field during interviews.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Engage with the Centre for Vision Services Research's current projects and publications. Understanding their work will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how your expertise aligns with their goals.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Prepare to discuss your previous successes in securing grant funding. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led successful research bids, as this is a key requirement for the role.

    We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Fellow

    Health Services Research
    Mixed Methods Approach
    Grant Writing and Funding Acquisition
    Research Project Management
    Academic Publishing
    Leadership and Team Development
    Effective Communication Skills
    Networking and Collaboration
    Supervision of Postgraduate Students
    Strategic Planning
    Creativity and Innovation in Research
    Adaptability to Changing Requirements
    Administrative Skills in Higher Education

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in health services research and mixed methods approaches. Include specific examples of your successful research bids and grant funding to demonstrate your expertise.

    Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: In your supporting statement, address each of the essential and desirable criteria listed in the job description. Use clear examples from your past work, education, or community involvement that showcase your qualifications for the role.

    Highlight Leadership Experience: Since the role involves leading research teams, emphasise any previous leadership roles you've held. Discuss how you have successfully managed projects, supervised students, or contributed to academic leadership in your field.

    Proofread and Format: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your documents are well-formatted and easy to read, as this reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Cardiff University

    ✨Showcase Your Research Portfolio

    Be prepared to discuss your previous research projects in detail. Highlight your contributions, methodologies used, and the outcomes achieved. This will demonstrate your expertise and ability to lead research initiatives.

    ✨Prepare for Grant Funding Discussions

    Since attracting grant funding is crucial for this role, come equipped with examples of successful bids you've led or contributed to. Discuss your strategies for securing funding and how you plan to apply these skills in the new position.

    ✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

    As a Senior Research Fellow, you'll be expected to lead teams. Prepare to share experiences where you've successfully managed research teams or supervised students, focusing on how you fostered their development and collaboration.

    ✨Engage with Current Trends in Vision Services Research

    Stay updated on the latest developments in health services research and mixed methods approaches. Be ready to discuss how these trends can influence your work and contribute to the Centre's goals, showcasing your commitment to excellence in research.

    Senior Research Fellow
    Cardiff University
    Location: Cardiff
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