At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct research to engage men in health services and coordinate community workshops.
- Company: Lancaster University, a supportive and inclusive research environment.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, part-time role, and a focus on work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in health research by engaging underrepresented groups.
- Qualifications: PhD or Master's in social science or public health, with research experience.
- Other info: Join a friendly team committed to gender equality and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Division of Health Research
Senior Research Associate/Research Associate
Grade 6 or 7 post dependent on skills and experience
Part-time (14.5 hours)
This post is created as part of a pilot methodology project supported by the Lancaster and Partners NIHR Research Support Service (RSS). The aim of the project is to explore co-production strategies to engage heterosexual men in the design, implementation, and evaluation of health and social care services. Heterosexual men are currently one of the least engaged groups in health and social care research, with limited participation in both the design and delivery of services. This presents a significant challenge to creating services that are responsive to their needs.
We are recruiting a Senior Research Associate or Research Associate to undertake a rapid literature review on co-production and recruitment strategies involving heterosexual men, support the design and delivery of a descriptive international mixed-methods survey, and coordinate two UK-based workshops with community partners to explore barriers and solutions to co-production with this population.
You will be a key member of the research team, working alongside colleagues from the Division of Health Research and Social Work at Lancaster University and community-based partners. You will have a PhD, or be close to completing one, in social science, public health, or a related discipline, or a Master\βs degree with equivalent research experience. You will have experience conducting literature reviews, supporting mixed-methods research, and engaging with underrepresented or hard-to-reach groups. Experience in organising community-based events and a working knowledge of co-production or participatory methods, alongside men, masculinity, young people and health and social care will be an advantage. The post may involve travel within the Northwest.
Our team and the Division of Health Research provides a friendly environment that strongly supports the individual needs of each employee and promotes a healthy work-life balance. The Faculty 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 position is available from October 2025 and we are open to discussing flexible working arrangements including working week and days/hours worked, flexible start and finish times or condensed hours. Hybrid working arrangements can also be discussed. This role is part-time, two days per week (14.5 hours).
You will join Lancaster University on an indefinite contract however the role remains contingent on external funding which at this time is due to end September 2026.
Applicants wishing to consider the Skilled Worker Route should ensure they meet the points requirement before applying. Further information can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website.
For further information on the role, please contact: Dr Andrea Waling
Senior Research Associate/Research Associate employer: Lancaster University
Contact Detail:
Lancaster University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate/Research Associate
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to health research. Attend events or workshops where you can meet potential colleagues and collaborators β itβs all about making those connections!
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its projects. Understand their focus on co-production strategies and how you can contribute. We want to see your passion for engaging underrepresented groups, so be ready to share your ideas!
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with literature reviews and mixed-methods research. Bring examples of your work to discussions or interviews. We love seeing how youβve tackled similar challenges in the past!
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, weβre all about making the process as smooth as possible for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate/Research Associate
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in social science, public health, or related fields. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Senior Research Associate or Research Associate, so donβt hold back!
Showcase Your Research Skills: Since this role involves conducting literature reviews and supporting mixed-methods research, be sure to emphasise any previous experience you have in these areas. We love seeing concrete examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to engage with underrepresented groups.
Highlight Community Engagement: If you've organised community-based events or worked with hard-to-reach populations, make it known! Weβre looking for someone who can coordinate workshops and explore co-production strategies, so share your relevant experiences with us.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us youβre keen on joining our friendly team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
β¨Know Your Research
Make sure youβre well-versed in the latest literature on co-production and recruitment strategies, especially concerning heterosexual men. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the project.
β¨Engage with the Community
Since this role involves working with community partners, think about how you can showcase your experience in engaging underrepresented groups. Prepare examples of past projects where you successfully involved hard-to-reach populations.
β¨Highlight Your Methodology Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with mixed-methods research and literature reviews. Bring specific examples of how youβve applied these methodologies in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the position.
β¨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the project and the team dynamics. This shows that youβre not just interested in the role, but also in how you can contribute to the teamβs success and the overall goals of the research.