At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research projects in social care and polypharmacy, driving impactful methodologies.
- Company: Join Newcastle University, a diverse and inclusive workplace committed to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, health initiatives, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with strong support for career growth and funding applications.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in social care while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
- Qualifications: PhD in a relevant field and experience in home care research required.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 56535 £ per year.
Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
We are seeking to recruit a Senior Research Associate to support polypharmacy in social care research in the Newcastle Patient Safety Research Collaborative. We welcome applications from those with post-graduate training and significant work experience in social care (home care) or polypharmacy research. You will be responsible for driving forward projects in the area of polypharmacy and social care. The project will use mixed methods and the post-holder will take the lead in determining, and applying, the most appropriate research methodology to answer the questions.
You will have responsibility for developing and leading the recruitment of home care providers and local authorities and for dissemination activities, which will include standard academic dissemination, engagement with health and social care professionals and policy makers, and public dissemination. You will also take the lead for public & patient involvement and engagement (PPIE) activities within the projects.
The post will join the thriving, dynamic, multi-disciplinary Patient Safety Research Collaboration in the School of Pharmacy/Population Health Sciences Institute at Newcastle University. You must be enthusiastic about working in multi-disciplinary teams and a wide range of stakeholders. Challenges are often encountered in research and you will need to be responsive to these, and have the ability to solve problems and find solutions.
You may be expected to be involved in supervision and professional development of more junior research staff and supervision of undergraduate and post-graduate students. You will also be encouraged and supported to develop your own research ideas and contribute to, and develop, funding applications. The post is full-time, starting 1st October 2026, for a period of 18 months.
Please note that Newcastle University is a campus-based university; while blended working arrangements may be possible, we would be unlikely to consider applicants who wish to work entirely remotely.
- Lead the delivery of the projects, setting and monitoring targets, and ensuring successful delivery on time and within budget
- Drive the selection and application of appropriate research methods
- Lead applications for data access and ensure necessary approvals are in place, as required
- Undertake rapid reviews of relevant literature to inform the project and ensure it remains up-to-date and grounded in contemporary social care
- Develop and implement dissemination plan for projects, with a focus on maximising impact
- Develop effective working relationships with other project staff and collaborators, both social, health, local authority and academic
- Take responsibility for reporting activities as required by the project funder
- Identify and undertake a programme of professional development, including further training in research methods or other transferable skills
- Initiate funding applications
- Provide supervision of, and support development of, other researchers within the PSRC
- Participate in activities of the PSRC and Population Health Science Research Institute
- Contribute to the supervision of undergraduate and post-graduate projects & dissertations
- Undertake other reasonable duties as required
The Person
- Experience of home care research (domiciliary care)
- Experience of using social care data for research
- Experience of applying a range of methodological approaches across a variety of different study designs
- Very well-developed skills in relevant IT packages to support research analysis (e.g. NVivo)
- Knowledge of research related to older people and social care
- Effective time management and prioritisation skills to balance the potentially conflicting demands of project work and other research and teaching
- High level of understanding and experience of working with multidisciplinary collaborators and a range of stakeholders
- Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work flexibly and cooperatively with others to successfully deliver research projects
- Ability to solve problems
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect research data according to protocols and principles of good research practice
- Experience and success in applying for research funding
- Strong track record of disseminating research findings, including publishing in peer-reviewed journals
- Experience of working within multi-disciplinary or multi-centre teams
- Knowledge or experience working with the published evidence in relation to polypharmacy or medication prescribing in home care
- Experience of supporting development of research skills among researchers or students
- Experience of PPIE
Qualifications
- A PhD highly relevant to social care
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population. At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme. In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
Senior Research Associate - Social Care (Home Care) or Polypharmacy in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Newcastle University
Newcastle University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises inclusivity and professional development. With generous benefits including a substantial holiday package, health initiatives, and opportunities for research funding, employees are supported in their career growth while contributing to impactful social care research. Located in the heart of Newcastle, the university fosters collaboration within a dynamic, multi-disciplinary environment, making it an ideal place for those passionate about advancing knowledge in social care and polypharmacy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate - Social Care (Home Care) or Polypharmacy in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Newcastle University.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Newcastle University!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Newcastle University, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Newcastle University or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate - Social Care (Home Care) or Polypharmacy in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Newcastle University:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Newcastle University! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle University
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
