At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research on osteoarthritis using AI and real-world data.
- Company: Join a collaborative team across top UK institutions focused on impactful health research.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, hybrid working, and a supportive environment for professional growth.
- Other info: Fixed-term position with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while developing your research skills.
- Qualifications: Relevant PhD and experience in research methodologies required.
The predicted salary is between 32080 - 50253 £ per year.
Salary £32,080 to £50,253 per annum, depending on skills and experience (minimum £35,608 with relevant PhD). Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance.
Closing Date: Friday 10 July 2026
Reference: MED873226
About the role:
The purpose of this role will be to have specific responsibility for research in the Stratification of OsteoArthritis for LiVing well and treatment Effectiveness (SOLVE), a consortium research collaboration across seven institutions (Leeds, Keele, Nottingham, Oxford, Imperial, Southampton and Aberdeen) funded by Arthritis UK. You will be expected to plan and conduct work to identify the fast progressive subsets of OA according to comorbidities and risk factors using both conventional and AI‑aided approaches. You will then examine a potential treatment to slow down the progression using the target trial emulation approach in real‑world data. The UK Clinical Practice Research Data‑link (CPRD) and the UK Biobank will be used for the analysis. You will be responsible for collaboration with other institutions both within and outside of the consortium and write up your work for publications.
About the team:
You will join an established team, led by Professor Weiya Zhang whose main research interest is osteoarthritis. You will be co‑supervised by Dr Subhashisa Swain from the University of Oxford whose main research interest is big data research for osteoarthritis, comorbidity and multimorbidity. You will have the opportunity to use your initiative and creativity to identify areas for research, develop research methods and extend your research portfolio. The School of Medicine recognises the importance of continuous professional development and therefore the importance of providing opportunities, structured support and encouragement to engage in professional development each year.
What we offer:
- A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment
- A hybrid working arrangement with a blended approach of home and office each week
- Generous holiday entitlement of 27 (30) days (or pro rata) plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year
- Our reward scheme grants bonuses of numerous values for excellent work
- We are committed to staff development through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunities
- You will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more
This is a Fixed‑Term position available for 2 years. This is a full‑time post. Your working hours will be 36.25 hours per week.
Please contact Professor Weiya Zhang at weiya.zhang@nottingham.ac.uk if you have further questions about this role. Applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted. Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration.
Research Fellow/Associate (Fixed-Term) in Nottingham employer: University Of Nottingham
Join a leading research team at the forefront of osteoarthritis studies, where you will have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research while enjoying a supportive and diverse work environment. With a strong commitment to professional development, generous holiday entitlements, and a hybrid working model, this role offers a unique chance to grow your career in a collaborative setting that values innovation and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow/Associate (Fixed-Term) in Nottingham
✨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 Nottingham, 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 Nottingham. 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 Fellow/Associate (Fixed-Term) in Nottingham
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 Nottingham. 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 Nottingham. 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 Nottingham
✨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 Nottingham. 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 Nottingham to drive research projects forward.
