At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to conduct impactful qualitative research in health and implementation science.
- Company: University of Birmingham, a leading institution committed to diversity and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working with opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare by translating research into practice.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in qualitative research and clinical trials.
The predicted salary is between 36636 - 46049 £ per year.
Position Details
- 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 February 2028
- Closing date: 21st June 2026
- Interviews will be held on Tuesday 7 July 2026
Background
Are you a qualitative researcher with an interest in applied health research and implementation science? You will be joining the College of Social Sciences to support a dynamic team of senior academics in the Centre for Evidence and Implementation Science (CEIS). You will be part of a multi-disciplinary team at the forefront of methodological innovation and policy and practice change and will be based within the Centre’s Evidence Based Surgery Group. CEIS also encompasses a National Institute for Health and Care Research funded Evidence Synthesis Group and a Policy and Methods Group.
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic researcher to deliver a recently awarded high-profile national Randomised Controlled Trial funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The applicant will be responsible for the successful delivery of a recruitment optimisation and implementation-focused process evaluation to improve the successful delivery and translation of study findings into surgical and perioperative practice. The main elements of this role will be undertaking data collection and analysis of qualitative data. Data collection will include interviews with clinical and non-clinical staff, leading equipoise meetings, analysis of trial documentation and development of recruitment and implementation strategies. You will also be required to write for publication, work closely and collaboratively with researchers from other institutions and be confident in articulating and disseminating findings to key stakeholders. You will have previously undertaken qualitative research within the NHS and have knowledge of clinical trials. The successful candidate will be expected to spend approximately two days per week on campus.
Role Summary
- Work within specified research grants and projects.
- Contribute to writing bids and other academic and non-academic outputs.
- Conduct research under the supervision of senior colleagues.
- Collect qualitative data with patients and healthcare professionals.
- Work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team.
- Operate within area of specialism.
- Analyse and interpret research findings and results.
- Produce academic outputs.
Main Duties
The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below:
- Support applications for NHS research governance approvals and local data collection.
- Be confident in communicating research findings and articulating interim findings and feedback to the wider research team and clinical collaborators.
- Undertake the process evaluation, coordinating multi-site data collection analysis and stakeholder engagement.
- Apply implementation science approaches to inform study design, analysis and translation of findings into practice.
- Engage with clinical teams, patients and public contributors to co-produce insights and ensure relevance of findings.
- Work closely with NHS partners and policymakers to ensure findings are contextually grounded and actionable.
- Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required.
- Contribute to writing bids for research funding.
- Analyse and interpret qualitative data.
- Apply 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 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.
- Collect research data using qualitative research methods.
- Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
- Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
Person Specification
- First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications.
- High level analytical capability.
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
- Fluency in qualitative research, clinical trials and implementation science.
- 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.
Informal enquiries regarding this post may be made to Dr Arabella Scantlebury, a.l.scantlebury@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 - School of Social Policy and Society - 107512 - Grade 7 in Birmingham employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the School of Social Policy and Society. As a Research Fellow, you will have access to extensive professional development opportunities, a supportive multi-disciplinary team, and the chance to contribute to impactful research that shapes health policy and practice. Located in Edgbaston, Birmingham, the university is committed to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, ensuring a rewarding and meaningful work environment for all staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow - School of Social Policy and Society - 107512 - Grade 7 in Birmingham
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at University of Birmingham.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from University of Birmingham!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at University of Birmingham or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow - School of Social Policy and Society - 107512 - Grade 7 in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to University of Birmingham:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to University of Birmingham! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
