At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead qualitative research on maternity care and contribute to impactful health studies.
- Company: Join the University of Birmingham's Department of Applied Health Sciences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, part-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with leading healthcare institutions and promote diversity in research.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in maternal health while working with top researchers.
- Qualifications: PhD or nearing completion in relevant field, expertise in qualitative research.
The predicted salary is between 36636 - 46049 € per year.
Department of Applied Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822
Grade: 7
Part Time (18.75 hours per week)
Fixed Term contract up to December 2026
Closing date: 28th May 2026
We are seeking an experienced and autonomous qualitative researcher, with an interest and experience in implementation science/behaviour change and maternity care, to join the PRE-EMPT study. This is a research project funded by the NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research with the aim of preventing pre-term birth through cervical length screening and treatment. With support, you will lead the qualitative research within work package 1 (WP1) in the programme. WP1 will investigate health care workers/providers views on the barriers and facilitators that may affect the uptake of cervical length screening and treatment across diverse groups of first time mothers. Implementation science expertise is desired for this role. You may also support qualitative research in Work Package 2 (investigating the barriers and facilitators affecting uptake of cervical length screening and treatment across diverse populations of women) and provide methodological support to other work packages where relevant, ensuring high-quality qualitative/multi method research integration within the broader research programme. Clinical experience of midwifery is desired for this role. You will be based in the Department of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Birmingham, working alongside internationally recognised maternal health research teams. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with partners from Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust and other key healthcare institutions involved in the project.
This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a high-impact research project with real-world implications for maternal and neonatal health, working within leading academic and clinical teams.
Role Summary
- Work within the PRE-EMPT programme grant and its team of co-applicants.
- Operate within area of specialism (implementation science/behaviour change/maternal health).
- Analyse and interpret data and research findings and results.
- Contribute to generating patient information, academic publications, and policy reports.
- Contribute to public understanding of implementation/behavioural science, maternal health, and inequalities.
Main Duties
- Contribute expertise on implementation science/behaviour change and qualitative research methodologies.
- Contribute to designing protocols and data collection tools like topic guides, as well as ethics applications.
- Identify, recruit and consent research participants with a focus on inclusivity and diversity.
- Conduct literature searching and reviewing.
- Lead public involvement activities with a diverse range of contributors.
- Collect qualitative data in a sensitive manner following established protocols.
- Analyse qualitative data using established and rigorous analytic methods.
- Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding.
- Disseminate research findings for publication such as in policy briefs, academic papers, and at research seminars, conferences. Ensure that dissemination pathways are accessible/inclusive.
- Undertake management and administration activities arising from the research project.
- Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration.
- Contribute to writing bids and generate funding.
- Where appropriate, 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.
- Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research.
- Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
- Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
Person Specification
- First degree in area of specialism and a PhD (or near to completion) relevant to research area.
- Expertise in qualitative research methodologies and methods, implementation science/behaviour change methodologies.
- Experience and expertise in carrying out multicentre research in maternity care.
- Registered midwife with current practice experience.
- Be familiar with implementation frameworks and behaviour change, and working with underserved populations.
- High level analytical capability.
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
- Excellent ability to work as a team and independently including co-ordinating own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort.
- 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.
- 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.
Informal enquiries to Sarah Moorlock, email: s.j.moorlock@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 - Department of Applied Health Sciences - 104905Z26 - Grade 7 in Birmingham employer: The University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises diversity, inclusion, and employee development. As a Research Fellow in the Department of Applied Health Sciences, you will collaborate with leading experts in maternal health, contributing to impactful research while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and engagement in a supportive academic environment. Located in Edgbaston, Birmingham, you will benefit from a dynamic community committed to advancing health sciences and making a real difference in maternal and neonatal health.
Contact Detail:
The University of Birmingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow - Department of Applied Health Sciences - 104905Z26 - Grade 7 in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the University of Birmingham or the PRE-EMPT study. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into implementation science and behaviour change topics. Brush up on recent studies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your qualitative research skills! Bring examples of your past work to the table, especially any that involved diverse populations or maternity care. This will help us see how you can contribute to our high-impact research.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow - Department of Applied Health Sciences - 104905Z26 - Grade 7 in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the role, so avoid using AI tools too heavily. Make sure your communication style reflects who you are.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role and department. Highlight your experience in qualitative research and implementation science, and how it relates to maternity care. This will show us that you understand what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your skills and experiences that align with the job description. Whether it's your analytical capabilities or your ability to work with diverse populations, make sure we see how you fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Finally, remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Birmingham
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the PRE-EMPT study and its objectives. Familiarise yourself with implementation science and behaviour change methodologies, as these are key to the role. Being able to discuss how your experience aligns with the project will show your genuine interest.
✨Prepare for Qualitative Methodology Questions
Expect questions about qualitative research methodologies and your previous experiences. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've designed protocols or collected data in sensitive environments. This will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
Collaboration is crucial in this position, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve worked effectively in teams before. Highlight any experiences where you’ve coordinated with others to achieve research goals, especially in diverse settings.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Diversity
Given the focus on underserved populations, be ready to talk about your understanding of inclusivity in research. Share any relevant experiences that showcase your commitment to promoting equality and valuing diversity in your work.
