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- Tasks: Conduct qualitative research to support GPs and improve healthcare retention strategies.
- Company: Join the University of Manchester's innovative health services research team.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fantastic pension scheme, generous leave, and employee wellbeing services.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on NHS challenges while developing valuable research skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in qualitative research methods and stakeholder engagement.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We wish to appoint a Research Associate with expertise in qualitative and mixed‑methods health services research to join the primary care and health workforce research team at the University of Manchester. The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of PROSPER‑GP: Learning from Practice and Individual Outcomes to Support General Practitioner Enhanced Retention, an NIHR‑funded programme of research led by Dr Laura Jefferson.
PROSPER‑GP is a six‑year programme that will identify how we can best support general practitioners (GPs) to have satisfying careers and remain in their roles for longer. A key component of this research is the delivery of qualitative case studies in GP practices, learning from practices that do well in retaining GPs to develop policy recommendations and organisational strategies.
The Research Associate will also support stakeholder engagement activities (including with GPs, patients and policymakers), and the co‑production and dissemination of findings. The Research Associate will work closely with Dr Laura Jefferson and the wider research team, supporting qualitative data collection and analysis. Using observational, interview and focus‑group methods, travel to general practice settings across England will be required.
This role offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to high‑impact, policy‑relevant research addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing the NHS, while developing skills in applied qualitative and mixed‑methods research, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge mobilisation.
Benefits
- Fantastic market‑leading pension scheme
- Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
- Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
- Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
- Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit. Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Research Associate (Qualitative) employer: The University of Manchester
Contact Detail:
The University of Manchester Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate (Qualitative)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Manchester, especially those in the health services research field. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into qualitative research methods. Brush up on your observational, interview, and focus-group techniques. We want to show that we’re not just familiar with these methods but can apply them effectively in real-world settings.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our passion for improving GP retention! When discussing our experiences, highlight any relevant projects or case studies we've worked on that align with the goals of PROSPER-GP. This will demonstrate our commitment to the cause.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team at the University of Manchester.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate (Qualitative)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in qualitative and mixed-methods research. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!
Show Your Passion for Research: Let us know why you're excited about this opportunity! Share your enthusiasm for health services research and how you can contribute to the PROSPER-GP programme. A genuine interest can really make your application stand out.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points shine through. This will help us quickly grasp your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the PROSPER-GP programme and its objectives. Understand the key components of qualitative research and how they apply to health services. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Since the role involves engaging with GPs, patients, and policymakers, think about how you would approach these interactions. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully engaged stakeholders or facilitated discussions.
✨Showcase Your Qualitative Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with qualitative data collection methods like interviews and focus groups. Bring specific examples of how you’ve used these methods in previous roles, and be prepared to talk about the outcomes of your research.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Ask about the team dynamics, the challenges faced in the current research, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the position is right for you.