At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic research team and contribute to impactful health projects.
- Company: University of Birmingham, a leader in health sciences research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare through innovative research.
- Qualifications: Experience in qualitative research and a relevant degree required.
The predicted salary is between 36636 - 46049 € per year.
Position Details
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 November 2027
Closing date: 14th May 2026
Background
To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research programme and/or specific research project. We are seeking a Research Fellow to join the Centre for Patient Reported Outcomes Research (CPROR) and work on two projects: an NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) funded evidence synthesis on patient‑reported outcomes (PROs) and an NIHR funded Health Technology Assessment (HTA) as a qualitative/mixed‑methods researcher.
For the HTA, the postholder will be part of a UK‑wide trials team tasked with delivering a randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effectiveness of unilateral versus bilateral cochlear implantation in adults. In addition, the postholder will be expected to facilitate a range of CPROR research‑related activities as required.
Role Summary
The postholder will be expected to work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids within CPROR.
Main Duties
- Support BRC members and collaborators with the use of PROs in research, incorporating the latest methodological guidance
- Draft research protocols and study documentation and lead on obtaining ethical and research governance approvals
- Contribute to Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) activities for specified research projects
- Identify, recruit and consent participants
- Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
- Analyse and interpret qualitative and mixed‑methods data using appropriate methods and approaches
- Undertake evidence syntheses using appropriate methods and approaches
- Attend relevant project meetings and broader BRC and LUCIA meetings, representing CPROR and lead these where appropriate
- Undertake project management and administrative tasks as appropriate
- Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of the project objectives and deadlines
- Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
- Provide guidance as required to support staff and any student who may be assisting with the project
- Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
- Write up research findings for publication in high impact peer‑reviewed journals
- Disseminate research findings using appropriate and effective media, including plain English summaries, seminars, oral and poster presentations at national/international conferences, scientific meetings, public events, and social media
- Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate
- Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
- Undertake management/administration arising from research
- Contribute to writing bids for research funding
- Contribute to Departmental/School research‑related activities and research‑related administration
- Contribute to School/Departmental teaching‑related activities and teaching‑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
- Provide guidance to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
- 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
- Experience conducting qualitative and mixed‑methods research essential
- Experience conducting systematic reviews essential
- Experience of conducting process evaluations desirable
- Experience of living evidence synthesis methodologies desirable
- Understanding of the PRO field desirable
- Understanding of AI in healthcare desirable
- Understanding of hearing loss and deafness, including deaf awareness, desirable
- 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
Informal enquiries to Sarah Hughes, email: s.e.hughes@bham.ac.uk
Uses 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.
Research Fellow - Department of Applied Health Sciences - 107350 - Grade 7 employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Department of Applied Health Sciences. With a strong commitment to diversity, employee development, and sustainability, staff are encouraged to grow through various research opportunities and community engagement initiatives. Located in Edgbaston, Birmingham, the university provides a supportive environment where researchers can thrive and contribute meaningfully to health sciences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow - Department of Applied Health Sciences - 107350 - Grade 7
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Birmingham, especially in the Department of Applied Health Sciences. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the research projects mentioned in the job description. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about the work being done at CPROR.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t sound too rehearsed. Authenticity is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the position. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow - Department of Applied Health Sciences - 107350 - Grade 7
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 projects mentioned in the job description. Highlight your relevant experience in qualitative and mixed-methods research, as well as any knowledge of patient-reported outcomes.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your analytical capabilities and your ability to communicate complex information clearly. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet the person specification.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specific research projects you'll be involved in, especially the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre and Health Technology Assessment. Familiarise yourself with patient-reported outcomes and mixed-methods research to show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Prepare for Ethical Discussions
Since you'll need to draft research protocols and obtain ethical approvals, brush up on ethical considerations in research. Be ready to discuss how you would handle ethical dilemmas or challenges that may arise during your projects.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
You’ll need to communicate complex information clearly, so practice explaining your past research experiences in simple terms. Think about how you can convey your findings effectively, whether in writing or during presentations.
✨Engage with Patient and Public Involvement
Demonstrate your understanding of Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) activities. Be prepared to discuss how you would recruit participants and involve them in the research process, highlighting any relevant experience you have.
