At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse qualitative data and contribute to impactful research on NHS staff behaviour.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham's School of Social Policy, a leader in health research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Remote work supported; potential funding for commuting or relocation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while exploring a future career in research.
- Qualifications: Must be a penultimate-year undergraduate in a health or science-related subject.
The predicted salary is between 33002 - 35608 £ per year.
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression once in post to £39,906
Grade: 6
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to September 2026
Closing date: 12th August 2026
We are looking for a motivated undergraduate student to join our team on a fixed-term basis and support our research on NHS staff. This is an exciting opportunity for someone studying a health- or science-related subject to explore a future career in research.
You will be based in the Health Services Management Centre and will work on an NIHR-funded realist evaluation exploring how to prevent and reduce unprofessional behaviour between NHS staff. Unprofessional behaviour (such as incivility, bullying and sexual harassment) negatively impacts staff wellbeing and the clinical care provided to patients. This study aims to understand how and why strategies and interventions to reduce and prevent unprofessional behaviour work, for whom and in what circumstances, in order to produce evidence-based learning for the wider NHS.
The role can be undertaken full-time over 8 weeks or spread over a longer period part-time. You can be a student at any UK university but must be in your penultimate year of study during the internship. Remote working can be supported and funding may be available to support the costs of commuting or temporarily relocating to Birmingham.
Role Summary
- You will conduct analysis of qualitative data collected from NHS staff and Trusts (e.g. documents, interview transcripts), with guidance from the supervisory team.
- There will be scope to explore topics you are interested in, if these align with the study aims.
- You will have the opportunity to contribute to academic journal publications as a co-author and to other research outputs, such as presentations and resources for NHS staff.
- You will gain broader experience of applied health research through attending regular team meetings with collaborators from other universities and supporting core study activities such as patient and public involvement.
- There will be the possibility of attending conferences and other academic events.
Main Duties
- Analyse research data, with supervision
- Contribute to research outputs, including posters, seminar presentations and drafting parts of academic publications
- Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
- Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
- Foster a fair and equitable workplace for all staff
Person Specification
Essential
- Current undergraduate student studying a priority area subject, for example:
- Nursing or midwifery
- Allied health professions
- Pharmacy
- Biomedical or healthcare science
- Social care
- Psychology
- Mathematics
- Public health
- Research methods or data science
- Another subject related to one of the above.
- In penultimate year of study during the internship.
- Interest in exploring a future research career in health or social care.
- Knowledge of qualitative research methods.
- Effective communication skills.
- Ability to organise time and work independently.
- Ability to work as part of a team.
- Understanding of the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace.
Desirable
- Experience working, studying or volunteering in a health or social care setting.
- Experience conducting qualitative data collection and/or analysis.
Informal enquiries to Dr Tommer Spence, email: t.spence@bham.ac.uk
We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.
Research Associate - School of Social Policy - 907503 - Grade 6 in Birmingham employer: The University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working hours, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to quality service, staff are empowered to thrive in a supportive environment while contributing to the university's mission of excellence.
Contact Details:
The University of Birmingham Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate - School of Social Policy - 907503 - Grade 6 in Birmingham
✨Join Local Community Initiatives
Jump into local community groups or organisations focused on social work. They often have internship opportunities or can connect you with places that do. It's a great way to meet people already in the field and get a feel for what different roles involve.
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Make good use of your university's career services—most have strong links with organisations looking for interns in social work. Check for workshops, job fairs, or even guest speakers in the field who can provide insights and connections for internships.
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Keep an eye on events like workshops, conferences, and panel discussions related to social work. These gatherings are perfect for networking and you might even hear about internship openings that are not widely advertised.
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate - School of Social Policy - 907503 - Grade 6 in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Helping Others:In your application, let your passion for social work really shine through! Share personal stories or experiences that connect you to this field. We want to see your motivation and your genuine drive to make a difference in people's lives, especially in your cover letter.
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Include Experience with Vulnerable Populations:Have you volunteered or worked with vulnerable groups? Make sure you mention this in your CV! Highlight any internships, volunteer roles, or work experience that demonstrates your understanding of the issues faced by these communities. Practical experience is essential in social work, and it will give us insight into your hands-on skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should do more than just repeat what's in your CV – it’s your chance to tell us why you want this internship at The University of Birmingham specifically. Talk about what you hope to learn and how your values align with our mission. A strong, tailored letter can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Birmingham
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about the people! Make sure to share examples that showcase your passion for making a difference, like any volunteer work or community initiatives you've been a part of. This helps interviewers at The University of Birmingham see your genuine commitment to the field.
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Brush up on important social work theories and models, such as Ecological Systems Theory or Strengths-based practice. Being able to talk about how these concepts apply to real-life situations can impress your interviewers and show that you're ready to dive into the internship at The University of Birmingham.
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Interviewers often ask behavioural questions to understand how you'd handle real-world challenges in social work. Think of scenarios from your past experiences where you've demonstrated empathy, communication skills, or conflict resolution – these will help us illustrate your problem-solving abilities during the interview.
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As an intern, you’ll likely be new to many aspects of social work. Make it clear to The University of Birmingham that you’re open to learning and adapting. Share what you hope to gain from the internship and how you wish to grow in the field, as this can reflect your growth mindset!
