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- Tasks: Conduct qualitative research on early language interventions and rheumatoid arthritis perspectives.
- Company: Join Northumbria University, a top-ranked research institution with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, generous holidays, and excellent pension schemes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in community wellbeing through impactful research.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in health/social sciences; strong qualitative research skills.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This six month post will enable you to explore qualitative work in two diverse contexts: early language interventions for young children and the concept of ‘drug free remission’ for people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We want to work with a great qualitative researcher, who has excellent practical, analytic and conceptual skills. Working as part of friendly and supportive multi‑disciplinary teams including academics, regional providers, national and international project partners, you will support the delivery of ongoing qualitative work on two projects.
You will be based in the Implementation and Innovation Research Group (IIR) at Northumbria University, working primarily with Tim Rapley. You will be supporting the NIHR HSDR funded PLACES research project, by undertaking research activity, writing up research work for publication and collaborating with project partners. The PLACES study explores the implementation of tailored early language interventions for young children at risk of speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) within three local authorities. The qualitative work will involve supporting the further analysis of our current qualitative data set as well as undertaking some additional interviews and observation with front line, technical, managerial and research staff and parents, carers and children over multiple sites across England. Some of the fieldwork will be conducted in person, so at times there will be travel to different parts of England, some will also be conducted remotely. The qualitative work for PLACES will explore the development, introduction, embedding and sustaining of the tailored interventions. You will also support some of the qualitative analysis work on the Foundation for Research in Rheumatology funded SINFONIA research project. The SINFONIA study seeks to characterise the immune phenotype of patients with RA in SDFR, and understand their perspectives of living with this condition.
This role is fixed‑term for 6 months and will start in Spring 2026. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 therefore the successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
ABOUT THE TEAM
The PLACES study is a collaboration between university partners - Newcastle University, Northumbria University and Durham University - alongside regional providers - Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust - and with national project partners - Institute of Health Visiting, Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists, and Speech and Language UK. The SINFONIA study is a collaboration between university partners – Newcastle University, Friedrich‑Alexander University (Germany), Leiden University (Netherlands) and Northumbria University - alongside patient partners. You will be embedded in the Implementation and Innovation Research Group (IIR) - a small friendly cross departmental group between the School of Healthcare and Nursing Sciences and the School of Communities and Education at Northumbria University.
IIR works ranges from initiation, scoping and development of novel ideas for service, therapeutic and care innovations, to feasibility studies, pilot and full trials with embedded process evaluations, as well as the scaling up and scaling out of evidence‑based interventions. IIR works with key health and social care stakeholders to develop innovative, individualised, community‑based and organisational solutions to problems of implementation and knowledge mobilisation through applied research. Through high quality research, we develop theories, tools, and methodologies as well as interventions to support implementation and knowledge mobilisation in practice. You will be formally based in the School of Communities and Education, at Northumbria University, Coach Lane Campus, one of four schools within the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing.
ABOUT YOU
To be successful in the role you will have good practical, analytical and conceptual skills in ethnographic and/or mixed‑methods qualitative research. You will hold a PhD or have equivalent experience, in a health and/or social science related discipline. Knowledge of contemporary debates in implementation in health and/or social care is desirable, as is knowledge of debates and challenges relating to speech, language and communication needs and living with musculoskeletal conditions. Ability to travel for purpose of data collection to various locations in the UK is essential. Further information is available in the person specification.
If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Professor Tim Rapley. To apply for this vacancy please click 'Apply Now'. Your application should include a covering letter and a CV.
ABOUT US
Join Northumbria University, a research‑intensive institution unlocking potential and changing lives locally and globally. Named Times Higher Education's University of the Year in 2022 and Modern University of the Year in 2025, we rank top 25 in the UK for research power. Discover more about us. With over 37,000 students from more than 140 countries, we offer world‑leading research, award‑winning partnerships, and an outstanding student experience. We empower our exceptional staff, promoting a positive work‑life balance and offering great benefits, including excellent pension schemes, flexible working, generous holiday entitlement and more.
Our Northumbria Values, co‑created by our team, define who we are: Academic Excellence, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Ambition. Our Behaviours shape our work culture: We listen and learn, support one another, respect everyone, trust each other, and are bold. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne and London, we are an on‑campus organisation and offer flexible hours and location where the role allows. We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusivity, holding numerous awards for gender and race equality, disability confidence, and research excellence. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers. The University has implemented a range of flexible working arrangements, and we are happy to explore candidate requirements as part of the recruitment process. Apply now and join a community committed to transforming society and the economy.
Senior Research Assistant in Community Wellbeing in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: University of Northumbria
Contact Detail:
University of Northumbria Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Assistant in Community Wellbeing in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of qualitative research, especially those who might be involved in projects similar to PLACES or SINFONIA. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous qualitative research work. Whether it’s publications, presentations, or data analysis, having tangible evidence of your expertise can really impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to the Implementation and Innovation Research Group at Northumbria University. Express your interest in their work and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the team, making it easier to tailor your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Assistant in Community Wellbeing in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your qualitative research skills and any relevant experience you have. Tailor it to the role by mentioning specific projects or methodologies that align with the PLACES and SINFONIA studies.
Showcase Your CV: Your CV should be clear and concise, showcasing your academic achievements and practical experience in qualitative research. Don’t forget to include any relevant publications or collaborations that demonstrate your ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams.
Be Authentic: We want to get to know the real you! Use your application to express your passion for community wellbeing and how your background aligns with our values at Northumbria University. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our official website to ensure your application is processed correctly. It’s super easy, and you’ll find all the details you need to submit your cover letter and CV seamlessly!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Northumbria
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of both the PLACES and SINFONIA projects. Familiarise yourself with their goals, methodologies, and current findings. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your practical, analytical, and conceptual skills in qualitative research. Bring examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to conduct interviews, analyse data, and collaborate with diverse teams. Highlight any experience you have with ethnographic or mixed-methods research.
✨Understand the Context
Research the contemporary debates surrounding implementation in health and social care, especially those related to speech, language, and communication needs. Being able to articulate your understanding of these issues will set you apart as a candidate who is not just qualified but also engaged with the field.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the projects. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals. Consider asking about the collaborative nature of the work or how success is measured in the projects you'll be involved in.