At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct qualitative research on breast cancer diagnosis pathways in black women.
- Company: University of Birmingham, a leader in health sciences and research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, fixed-term contract, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while gaining valuable research experience.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in qualitative research required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Department of Applied Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £42,254.
Grade: 7 Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2028
Closing date: 14th September 2026
Background
We invite applications for a Research Fellow to work on a qualitative study exploring the pathways to diagnosis of breast cancer in black women in the UK. The post holder will conduct literature review(s), arrange and conduct interviews with patients and analyse qualitative data. The post holder will be responsible for arranging and conducting the interviews. The research will be conducted in Birmingham and London, and the Research Fellow will be expected to travel to these sites to conduct the interviews.
Role Summary
This is a full-time and 18 months fixed term opportunity. The successful applicant will:
- Work closely with the Principal Investigator to undertake the project
- Contribute to the delivery of the project
- Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as literature reviews and research interviews
- Work with research nurses in participating sites to recruit patients to the study
- Play a key role in coding and analysing research data, including secondary analysis of data
- Contribute to public engagement and dissemination activities
- Be responsible for data management and administrative tasks relating to the project
Main Duties
The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.
- Analyse and interpret data
- Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
- Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
- Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
- Undertake management/administration arising from research
- Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
- Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
Person Specification or Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience
- First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
- Demonstrable experience in qualitative research, including interviewing patients
- Experience of qualitative data analysis using NVivo software
- High level analytical capability
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly
- Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
- Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
- Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
- Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
- Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
- Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
Desirable
- Experience of working with women from minority ethnic groups
- Experience in recruiting and interviewing patients in the NHS
- Experience in conducting interviews on sensitive topics
- Experience in conducting systematic reviews
Note – The role involves interviewing patients in the NHS, as such a DBS will be required (prior to starting)
OH&DBS required
The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Occupational Health and DBS clearance prior to appointment.
Informal enquiries to Patricia Apenteng, email: p.n.k.apenteng@bham.ac.uk
Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.
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. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.
Research Fellow - Applied Health Sciences - 106991 - Grade 7 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 Fellow - Applied Health Sciences - 106991 - Grade 7 in Birmingham
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow - Applied Health Sciences - 106991 - Grade 7 in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at The University of Birmingham.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at The University of Birmingham.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to The University of Birmingham. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at The University of Birmingham. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Birmingham
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
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Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research The University of Birmingham’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
