At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful public health research and engage with community stakeholders.
- Company: University of Strathclyde, part of a major health research initiative.
- Benefits: Fixed term role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape health policy and make a real difference in Glasgow's communities.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in public health research and grant writing.
- Other info: Join a vibrant network focused on health inequalities and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Term: Fixed Term (32 months)
We are seeking to appoint a Research Fellow to work at the University of Strathclyde as part of NIHR’s Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Glasgow, a major new award led by Glasgow City Council. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and independent public health researcher with a strong grounding in grant writing, qualitative research methods, experience in mixed methods, community engagement, and public policy.
The HDRC Glasgow represents a significant investment in research to support a cultural shift in Glasgow City Council towards embedding evidence-informed decision-making across policy and practice areas that influence health inequalities and outcomes. The appointed Fellow will play a leadership role in supporting this vision by working closely with colleagues in Glasgow City Council, academic partners, and community stakeholders.
Based in the Social Work and Social Policy subject area within the School of Social Sciences, the postholder will work under the academic leadership of Professor Shona Hilton. The HDRC is part of a thriving practitioner/academic network linked into the Centre for Health Policy through their joint focus on health inequalities, participatory research methods, and the social determinants of health.
As Research Fellow, you will help shape the HDRC’s portfolio of research, evaluation, and capacity-building activities, working with policy and community partners to co-design and develop tools, resources, and practices that support intersectional, evidence-informed policy and service delivery. This role offers the opportunity to shape an evolving, embedded programme of applied public health research within a city governance context.
You will have a PhD (or equivalent experience), have co-written successful grant applications and have a portfolio of research outputs. You will have demonstrable experience leading research and engagement activities that span academic, national and local policy, and public audiences. You will be expected to generate publications and funding bids, manage your own research and lead co-designed engagement activities, supervise students, and contribute to the development of teaching programmes and knowledge exchange activities.
We particularly welcome applicants with experience working inter-disciplinary research and working with local government. We also welcome applicants with design expertise for developing capacity-building initiatives and influencing policy/practice through participatory approaches. You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to listen, engage and persuade, and to present complex information in an accessible way to a range of audiences.
Whilst not essential for the role, applications are welcomed from candidates with membership of relevant Chartered/professional bodies (including the Higher Education Academy). Formal interviews for this post will be held on Thursday, 26 February 2026. Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Prof. Shona Hilton, Professor (shona.hilton@strath.ac.uk).
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Research Fellow - NIHR’s Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Glasgow employer: University of Strathclyde
Contact Detail:
University of Strathclyde Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow - NIHR’s Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in public health and academia. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups related to health research. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your research outputs, grant applications, and any community engagement projects you've led. This will not only impress potential employers but also give them a clear picture of what you bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of health inequalities and public policy. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the goals of the HDRC Glasgow. Practise articulating your ideas clearly and confidently – it’s all about making a strong impression!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission. So, get your application in and let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow - NIHR’s Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific requirements of the Research Fellow role. We want to see how your skills in grant writing and qualitative research methods can contribute to the HDRC Glasgow's mission.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t hold back on sharing your past achievements! We’re looking for someone with a strong portfolio of research outputs and successful grant applications, so make sure to include those details in your application to stand out.
Engage with the Community: Since community engagement is key for this role, we encourage you to mention any relevant experiences you've had working with local stakeholders or in participatory research. This will show us that you understand the importance of collaboration in public health.
Keep It Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is crucial. We want to see your ability to present complex information in an accessible way, so keep your language straightforward and avoid jargon where possible. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Strathclyde
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in your own research and the broader context of public health. Be ready to discuss your previous projects, especially those that involved grant writing and community engagement, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience in research settings. Think about times when you’ve led a project or collaborated with diverse stakeholders, as this will demonstrate your ability to work closely with Glasgow City Council and other partners.
✨Engage with Policy and Practice
Familiarise yourself with current health policies and practices in Glasgow. Being able to discuss how your research can influence policy and address health inequalities will show that you understand the role's impact on the community.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice presenting complex information in a straightforward manner. You’ll need to convey your ideas effectively to various audiences, so consider rehearsing with friends or colleagues to refine your communication skills.