At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to conduct evidence syntheses and support the UK National Screening Committee.
- Company: University of Bristol's renowned BEAM Centre, leading in evidence synthesis research.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Open-ended contract with funding for up to 3 years, starting September 2026.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by contributing to vital research projects.
- Qualifications: PhD (or near completion) in a relevant field and strong quantitative research skills.
The predicted salary is between 39096 - 44746 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a talented systematic reviewer or quantitative researcher with an interest in evidence synthesis to join the BEAM (Bristol Evidence Synthesis, Appraisal and Modelling) Centre at the University of Bristol. BEAM brings together researchers working on evidence synthesis and modelling research across Bristol Medical School. BEAM is an internationally renowned centre of excellence in evidence synthesis and is the only centre to host all three types of NIHR funded Evidence Synthesis Groups, providing access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise in evidence synthesis across a broad range of topics and clinical areas.
The current role will work primarily within the Bristol Evidence Synthesis for Screening (BESS) Group, but with some flexibility to contribute to work of other research groups within BEAM where needed. The BESS Group conducts evidence syntheses to support the work of the UK National Screening Committee (UK SC). You will be part of a multidisciplinary team including systematic reviewers, statisticians, information specialists, and health economists. You will also work closely with clinical experts and public contributors. Posts are available from 1 September 2026 with funding for up to 3 years. Requests for part time hours, as well as flexible and hybrid working patterns will be considered.
What will you be doing?
- Projects will include applied evidence syntheses, from evidence maps and rapid reviews to full systematic reviews and may include methodological work related to evidence synthesis.
- You will be required to contribute to:
- The day-to-day review processes and research-related administration of conducting systematic reviews and other evidence syntheses.
- Developing review protocols, screening studies for inclusion, data collection, risk of bias and GRADE assessments, preparation of datasets, interpretation of data and writing reports.
- Narrative and quantitative syntheses (e.g. meta-analyses) for a wide range of projects.
- Peer reviewed publications, grant proposals and conference presentations.
You should apply if
- You have strong training in quantitative research, including knowledge of basic concepts in medical statistics.
- You have an enthusiasm to learn more about evidence synthesis and to contribute to the work of the UK National Screening Committee.
- You have some experience of working on evidence synthesis, although this is not a requirement and training will be available.
- You have excellent critical appraisal skills for a range of study designs.
- You have a relevant PhD (or near completion) in a relevant discipline.
Additional information
- Contract type: Open-ended with funding for up to 3 years (start date ideally 01/09/2026).
- Work pattern: Full-time (part-time will be considered).
- Grade: I or J/ Pathway 2.
- Salary: I: £39,096 - £44,746 per annum, J: £44,746 - £50,253 per annum (pro rata if part-time).
- School/Unit: Bristol Medical School.
- Shift pattern: 35 hours per week.
This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 10/09/2026.
For informal queries please contact: Penny Whiting (Professor of Clinical Epidemiology), penny.whiting@bristol.ac.uk Or Hayley Jones (Professor of Medical Statistics), hayley.jones@bristol.ac.uk.
Research Associate/Senior Research Associate in Evidence Synthesis employer: University of Bristol
The University of Bristol offers an exceptional work environment for researchers, particularly within the Bristol Medical School and the BEAM Centre, renowned for its excellence in evidence synthesis. Employees benefit from a collaborative and multidisciplinary culture, access to extensive resources, and opportunities for professional growth through training and involvement in impactful research projects. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to supporting work-life balance, this role is ideal for those seeking meaningful contributions to public health and clinical research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate/Senior Research Associate in Evidence Synthesis
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at University of Bristol, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like University of Bristol. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate/Senior Research Associate in Evidence Synthesis
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at University of Bristol. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at University of Bristol. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bristol
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at University of Bristol. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at University of Bristol to drive research projects forward.
