Research Fellow - Department of Applied Health Sciences - 107440 - Grade 7 in Birmingham

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

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to August 2027

Closing date: 16th June 2026

We are seeking to appoint one candidate at either Grade 7 (Research Fellow I) or Grade 6 (Research Associate). Funding is for a maximum of 12 months, from 1 September 2026.

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research project. We are seeking a health economist to undertake economic analysis for the project: “The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Snacktivity™, an intervention to promote physical activity and health outcomes: A multi-centre randomised controlled trial.” The population has become less physically active and more sedentary, yet there is compelling evidence that inactivity and high levels of sitting are both independently associated with poorer health and mortality. Snacktivity™ is a novel approach that focuses on encouraging the public to accumulate ≥150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity (MVPA) per/week and completion of muscle-strengthening activities twice per/week by promoting frequent ‘activity snacks’. By focusing on completion of small bouts of physical activity, Snacktivity™ may help to develop people’s confidence to become physically active, and then to maintain participation. The aim of the Snacktivity™ trial is to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Snacktivity™ to promote physical activity and reduce future risk of disease in the population, compared with usual care (current guidance for physical activity).

Role Summary

• Work within the Snacktivity research grant and potentially contribute to writing bids for future funding
• Operate within area of specialism (health economics)
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results from the Snacktivity trial
• Contribute to generating funding (for example, by submitting an application for a personal fellowship)
• Contribute to academic dissemination of research findings and public understanding of the research

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of the line manager, or a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data collected as part of the Snacktivity trial
• Apply health economics knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Undertake management/administration arising from the Snacktivity trial
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect and/or process research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as literature reviews, and managing datasets created initially by the trial statistician
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• 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
• Promote equality and value diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism (Health Economics) and a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• High level analytical capability, specifically relating to health economics and economic evaluation
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant techniques or methods relating to economic evaluation, 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 within the Health Economics Unit and the wider Department
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project (i.e. the Snacktivity trial)
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort.
• Ability to plan, manage and use own time effectively and in line with objectives (from the research and as agreed with the line manager)
• 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
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, evidenced through previous experience.
• Previous experience of methods relating to cost-utility analysis

Further particulars can be found here.

Informal enquiries to Phil Kinghorn, email: p.kinghorn@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.