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- Tasks: Lead co-production and school engagement for a groundbreaking research study.
- Company: Join Lancaster Medical School, a top 10 UK university with a vibrant research culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, supportive environment, and commitment to work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health by shaping research that matters to schools and students.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in public health, social sciences, or related fields.
- Other info: Opportunity for remote work and travel between Lancaster and research sites.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint a full-time Senior Research Associate for an 18-month fixed term contract. You will join Lancaster Medical School and work with Dr Trystan Leng on a school-based contact study mapping who pupils interact with both within and outside of school. You will lead the co-production and school engagement components of the study.
We welcome applications from researchers with a PhD in (or equivalent experience) in public health, social sciences, education, epidemiology, or a related discipline. You will develop and deliver co-production activities with pupils, teachers, and other stakeholders, that shape the design of study surveys, interviews, and dissemination materials. This will involve ensuring research tools and outputs reflect pupil and school preferences, needs, values and contextual factors. The role will also include synthesising outputs from the co-design process and the contact study to produce engagement materials for schools and support wider project dissemination. Depending on experience, you may also contribute to project coordination and school liaison in a project management capacity.
The post is funded through Dr Leng's Wellcome Early Career Award 'Control without closure: school-level approaches for pathogen control within and between schools'. The contact study aims to improve our understanding of how and where school pupils interact, and how this relates to illness-related absences. Data collected will be used to parameterise transmission-dynamic models, in order to understand the potential impact of school-level infectious disease control strategies. We are co-producing the study to ensure the study addresses the priorities of pupils and teachers, and to encourage high levels of participation in participating schools.
You will liaise with colleagues within Lancaster Medical School (Dr Jonathan Read and Dr Sam Moore) alongside external partners based at the Centre for Applied Education Research (University of Leeds) and the Department for Education's science team. You will be expected to be based at Lancaster University, however, there is some opportunity for remote working. The role will require travel between Lancaster University and research sites (which are likely to be primarily in Bradford).
You will join a top 10-UK university in the Complete University Guide 2026 situated in a vibrant research environment. Lancaster Medical School, within the Faculty of Health and Medicine (FHM) at Lancaster University, provides a friendly research environment that strongly supports the individual needs of each employee and which actively promotes a healthy work-life balance. FHM is committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies and has held a Silver Athena SWAN award since 2014 in recognition of its good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education and research.
The post is available from 11th March 2026. We welcome applications from candidates seeking flexible working requests.
We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.
Senior Research Associate, School and community connections study: co-production and school engagement lead. - 0958-25 in Lancaster employer: Lancaster University
Contact Detail:
Lancaster University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate, School and community connections study: co-production and school engagement lead. - 0958-25 in Lancaster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and public health sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet potential collaborators or mentors. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous research projects, especially those related to school engagement or co-production. This will give you an edge during interviews and demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or colleagues. Focus on articulating how your background aligns with the role of Senior Research Associate and be ready to discuss your approach to engaging with schools and communities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities and updates directly from us at StudySmarter. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate, School and community connections study: co-production and school engagement lead. - 0958-25 in Lancaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Research Associate role. Highlight your relevant experience in public health, social sciences, or education, and show how it aligns with the co-production and school engagement components of the study.
Showcase Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for the project! Share any previous work or research that demonstrates your commitment to improving school and community connections. This will help us understand why you're the perfect fit for this role.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We want to easily grasp your qualifications and ideas without getting lost in complex terms.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the school and community connections study. Familiarise yourself with the key objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Co-Production Skills
Since this role involves leading co-production activities, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in engaging with stakeholders like pupils and teachers. Share specific examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated with diverse groups to shape research tools or outputs.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
Given the nature of the role, it’s important to highlight your ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed remote working or travel for research purposes in the past, and how you can maintain effective communication with team members and partners.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
This position values diversity and equality, so make sure to express your commitment to these principles. Discuss any relevant experiences you have in promoting inclusivity within research settings or how you plan to ensure that the study reflects the needs and values of all participants.
