At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team researching mental health in coastal and rural areas, using qualitative methods.
- Company: Northumbria University is a diverse institution with over 37,000 students and a commitment to research excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous holidays, and excellent pension schemes.
- Other info: Part-time role (22.2 hours/week) for 21 months, with potential weekend/evening work.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on mental health services while developing your research career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in mental health research, with knowledge of community engagement and ethnographic methods.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Would you like to help us make EURAXESS even better? Take this very quick user satisfaction survey - it won’t take more than 5 minutes!
Organisation/Company NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY Research Field Sociology Ethics in health sciences Researcher Profile Established Researcher (R3) Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 5 Aug 2025 - 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Other Job Status Part-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The Coastal and Rural Mental Health Realist Study (CARMHRS) is a 28-month project exploring the ways that people who live in coastal and rural areas look after their mental health and how local mental health services are helping them.
Mental health services in remote coastal and rural areas present challenges both for the people who live in these areas and for the organisations who provide the services. For people who need the services, many challenges relate to poverty, inadequate housing and transport links, and services that do not meet their social and other needs. As well as responding to these issues, service providers face other difficulties relating to staff shortages, poor digital infrastructure and transport infrastructure, and the need to provide standard services, including emergency responses, across large geographical areas. The aims of the CARMHRS study are:
- To improve community mental health systems in Coastal and Rural (CAR) areas by assessing the impact of strategies (such as the Community Mental Health Framework), implemented in CAR regions on improving the accessibility and acceptability of mental health care services for people living there.
- To facilitate a Community of Practice to co-produce a Guide to improving accessibility and acceptability of mental health care services in CAR areas.
The sites are Integrated health care systems (ICS) in CAR areas (Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly, Lincolnshire, and North East and North Cumbria) with two case studies per site, selected by low-income low population density neighbourhoods and related to Primary Care Networks. The fieldwork for this role will be based in the North East and North Cumbria region, exact locations to be decided.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are looking for a multi-skilled and applied mental health researcher, with experience in knowledge mobilisation and research management. Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team, you will support the Principal Investigator in delivering research activities for the above NIHR funded project exploring how people living in coastal and rural areas look after their mental health and respond to changes from services designed to better meettheir needs.
You will be a \'researcher-in-residence\', embedded in two local mental health teams in the North-East and North Cumbria region, using qualitative research skills, and working ethnographicallyto understand how that area is meeting the needs of people from coastal and rural communities. You will work alongside a Community Researcher, who will be researching how local communities are responding to service changes, and as a pair, you will be responsible for developing patient, public and involvement in the project, as well as for data collection (non-participant observation, realist interviews and focus groups, document review) and analysis (realist evaluation). You will also be part of a wider national team and will contribute towards the national Community of Practice for the study.
This is an ideal opportunity for an excellent Research Fellow, keen to work in a supportive context that will enable them to achieve change for mental health care services and people with lived experience and take the next step in their career. You will be actively supported to develop your own research career whilst working with us, including support towards grant writing and publication.As a team we prioritise mental health - both our own and others - and we take positive steps to maintaining a good balance in all things, including work.
Thepost is a part-time position working 22.2 hours per week, on a fixed-term basis for21 monthsfrom the start date.
The days of the week these hours can be worked can be discussed at interview or on notification to the successful applicant. Weekend/evening working may be required occasionally.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 therefore the successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
ABOUT YOU
Applicants should hold aPhD or equivalent international qualification or commensurate level of recognition/international profile/experience in a relevant discipline. You will also have demonstrable specialist expert knowledgeof the issues to do with mental health for people living and providing services in coastal and or rural areas. You will have knowledge of co-production and community engagement approaches in the context of mental health service improvement and/or research, and knowledge of realist methodology and methods, researcher-in-residence and ethnographic methodologies of inquiry.
To apply for this vacancy please click \'Apply Now\'. Your application should include a covering letter and a CV.
With over 37,000 students from 140+ countries, we offer world-leading research, award-winning partnerships, and an outstanding student experience. We empower our exceptional staff, promoting a positive work-life balance and offering great benefits, including excellent pension schemes, flexible working, generous holiday entitlement andmore .
Our Northumbria Values, co-created by our team, define who we are: Academic Excellence, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Ambition. Our Behavioursshape our work culture: We listen and learn, support one another, respect everyone, trust each other, and are bold.
Located in Newcastle upon Tyne and London, we are an on-campus organisation with flexibility in hours and location. We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusivity, holdingnumerousawards for gender and race equality, disability confidence, and research excellence.We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of theEuraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers.The University has implemented a range of flexible working arrangements, and we are happy to explore candidate requirements as part of the recruitment process.
#J-18808-LjbffrResearch Fellow - Coastal and Rural Mental Health employer: European Commission
Northumbria University is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff, offering a supportive work environment where mental health is valued. With flexible working arrangements, generous holiday entitlements, and a commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in the vibrant city of Newcastle upon Tyne, the university fosters a culture of academic excellence and innovation, making it an ideal place for researchers looking to make a meaningful impact in coastal and rural mental health.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow - Coastal and Rural Mental Health
✨Get Involved in Local Psychological Communities
Join local psychology associations or groups where professionals gather. Whether it’s workshops, conferences, or social events, connecting with others in the field can lead to job opportunities and insider info on unadvertised openings.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re a recent graduate, don’t forget to tap into your university’s career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with organisations looking for fresh talents, plus access to internships that could lead to full-time roles.
✨Showcase Your Skills Online
Create a blog or a LinkedIn page where you share insights about psychology theories or current trends. This not only showcases your knowledge but can help you connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you find a role like Research Fellow - Coastal and Rural Mental Health at European Commission, make your application stand out by applying directly through our website. This gives you a better chance to be seen by hiring managers. Plus, tailor your application to highlight your passion for psychology and relevant experiences!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow - Coastal and Rural Mental Health
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Experience:In psychology, it’s crucial to highlight your relevant experience, such as internships, research projects, or any volunteer work in mental health settings. Make sure to include specific roles and responsibilities, demonstrating how you've applied theoretical knowledge in real-world situations—this is what gets us excited!
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:Given the nature of psychology, we want to see your academic journey laid out clearly. Include your degree(s), grades, and any specialised courses or certifications that set you apart. If you've got published papers or presentations at conferences, be sure to mention them—it shows your commitment to the field!
Personal Statement: Make It Count:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Share insights about why you’re passionate about psychology and how this role at European Commission connects with your career goals. Be honest about your motivations and what you hope to learn—this is key for a full-time position and helps us gauge your fit in our team!
Focus on Soft Skills in Your Application:Psychology is as much about people as it is about theories. Highlight your soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork in your application. These traits are essential in our field and will help us see how you connect with others, so don't hold back in showcasing them!
How to prepare for a job interview at European Commission
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with European Commission, revisit key psychological theories that are relevant to the role, like cognitive behavioural therapy or humanistic psychology. Expect to discuss these during your interview, as they want to see how you apply theory to practice.
✨Bring Real-Life Case Studies
Prepare a couple of case studies or anecdotes that demonstrate your practical experience in psychology. Whether it’s handling a difficult client or designing a psychological assessment, these stories will highlight your skills and help you stand out in your full-time interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ethical Guidelines
Get comfy with the ethical guidelines set by the British Psychological Society. Be ready to chat about how you ensure ethical practice in your work, as this is crucial in the psychology field, and European Commission will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
✨Showcase Your Continuous Learning
Since you're going for a full-time gig, it’s essential to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Bring up any workshops, courses, or readings you’ve engaged in recently. This shows European Commission that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.
