At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful health research focused on healthy ageing and reducing health inequalities.
- Company: Join a prestigious research department at the University of Oxford.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and engage with communities to inform research.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of older adults through innovative research.
- Qualifications: PhD/DPhil in applied health research with expertise in qualitative or mixed methods.
The predicted salary is between 39424 - 47779 € per year.
Applications are invited for the post of Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) Postdoctoral Researcher, to join the NIHR ARC Thames Valley, Age Well Theme. The postholder will play a key role in delivering high-quality applied health research focused on supporting healthy ageing, reducing health inequalities, and improving outcomes for older adults, particularly those living with multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs) and frailty.
The postholder will be embedded within the Cardio-Metabolic-Renal Research Group in the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, working closely with Professor James Sheppard, Dr Megan Kirk Chang, and Dr Esther Williamson. They will collaborate across the Age Well Theme, including gaining valuable multidisciplinary experience with cross-collaborations in the Department of Psychiatry and Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), and the wider ARC, as well as with clinical, policy, voluntary sector, and public partners.
The successful applicant will contribute to a diverse portfolio of projects examining how best to support healthy ageing, including identifying the most effective ways of delivering routine health checks to detect health issues early, and scaling the implementation of proven interventions for older people most affected by health inequalities.
The postholder will ideally have mixed methods expertise, or at minimum strong qualitative research experience, and will work within a multidisciplinary team to deliver research with real-world impact. Responsibilities will include leading the design, conduct, and analysis of qualitative research (e.g. interviews, focus groups, co-design activities), working directly with patients recruited to research studies, with opportunities to contribute to quantitative and health economic analyses where appropriate.
The postholder will be expected to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary research team, including collaboration with clinicians, statisticians, health economists, policy-makers, local authorities, industry partners and voluntary sector partners and contribute to patient and public involvement (PPI) activities, ensuring that the perspectives of older adults and underserved groups inform research design and delivery.
You will have or be close to the completion of a relevant PhD/DPhil in applied health research, possess specialist knowledge in qualitative and/or mixed methods research, and have strong analytical skills, drawing on suitable quantitative and qualitative frameworks. You will have demonstrable ability to lead research projects, experience engaging with diverse patients and participants from underserved communities and have excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, tailoring the approach to different audiences.
You will be based in the Radcliffe Primary Care, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Radcliffe Primary Care Building, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG as your normal place of work, but will be able to agree a pattern of regular remote working with your line manager. The post is full time although applications for part-time working will be considered (minimum FTE 60%). The position is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration, for two years in the first instance.
Applications for this vacancy are to be made online and you will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application. The Supporting Statement should include a cover letter and should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description. Please do not attach any manuscripts, papers, transcripts, mark sheets or certificates as these will not be considered as part of your application.
The closing date for applications is 12:00 noon on Wednesday 27 May 2026. Interviews are expected to be held during the week commencing 22 June 2026.
Salary (£) : 39,424 - 47,779 per annum with a discretionary range to £53,483 per annum (pro-rata)
ARC Postdoctoral Researcher; Age Well Theme in Oxford employer: Corehr
The Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences offers an exceptional work environment for the ARC Postdoctoral Researcher role, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation in applied health research. Located in the vibrant city of Oxford, employees benefit from access to multidisciplinary teams, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, all while contributing to impactful research that supports healthy ageing and addresses health inequalities. With flexible working arrangements and a focus on real-world outcomes, this position is ideal for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in a supportive academic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ARC Postdoctoral Researcher; Age Well Theme in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the field of applied health research. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential collaborators or mentors. We all know that who you know can sometimes be just as important as what you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to qualitative research and multidisciplinary teamwork. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to get comfortable discussing your experience and how it aligns with the Age Well Theme. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for healthy ageing in every conversation. Whether it's during networking events or interviews, let your enthusiasm shine through. We want to see how committed you are to making a real-world impact on older adults' lives!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace ARC Postdoctoral Researcher; Age Well Theme in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your Supporting Statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to include a cover letter and clearly address how you meet each of the selection criteria. We want to see your passion for applied health research and how your skills align with our Age Well Theme.
Showcase Your Research Experience:Highlight your mixed methods expertise or strong qualitative research experience. We’re looking for someone who can lead research projects, so don’t hold back on sharing your past successes and how they relate to supporting healthy ageing.
Tailor Your CV:Your CV should reflect your relevant experience and skills tailored to this role. We want to see how your background fits with our multidisciplinary team and the specific needs of the ARC Thames Valley. Keep it concise and focused!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application online through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the position. Don’t forget to double-check everything before hitting that submit button!
How to prepare for a job interview at Corehr
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in your own research and the projects you’ll be involved in. Brush up on the latest findings in healthy ageing and health inequalities, as well as any relevant methodologies, especially qualitative and mixed methods. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your passion for the field.
✨Tailor Your Supporting Statement
When crafting your supporting statement, directly address each selection criterion mentioned in the job description. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in leading research projects and engaging with diverse communities. This shows you understand what they’re looking for and how you fit the bill.
✨Prepare for Multidisciplinary Collaboration Questions
Since this role involves working with a variety of professionals, be ready to discuss your experience in multidisciplinary teams. Think of examples where you’ve collaborated with clinicians, statisticians, or policy-makers, and how you navigated those relationships to achieve research goals.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Given the emphasis on communication in this role, practice explaining your research in simple terms. You might be asked to present your ideas to different audiences, so being able to adapt your language and style is key. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your delivery.
