Research Fellow Department of Applied Health Sciences 106852 Grade 7

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 36636 to 46049 with potential progression once in post to 48822

Grade: 7

Part Time (22.5 hours per week)

Fixed Term contract up to February 2027

Closing date: 15th January 2026

Background

We are seeking applications for a part time research fellow (70%fte) to work on an NIHR Public Health Research Programme funded project for 12 months.The project aims to map and evaluate Lived Experience Recovery Organisations (LEROs) that support people in recovery from drug or alcohol dependence in England.The post will be based at the Department of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Birmingham and will involve delivery of a national survey of local authorities and LEROs and a realist synthesis of the literature. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with academics other research fellows a lived experience advisory panel and a stakeholder panel to co-produce research outputs.

Role Summary

• To conduct a national survey of Local Authorities and LEROs

• To conduct a realist synthesis of the literature togenerate initial programme theory of how why and in what contexts LEROs are effective

• Analyse and interpret research findings and results

• Contribute to dissemination through development of academic manuscripts and other outputs

• Contribute to generating funding where appropriate

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and protocols for research with assistance of a mentor if required
• Lead on ethics applications where needed
• Collect analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Contribute to developing new models techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Develop and present research outputs including drafting academic publications or parts thereof presentation at seminars conferences and as posters
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding where appropriate
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration where appropriate
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate
• 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
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree anda higher degree and/or employment relevant to the research area (e.g. psychology public health addiction sciences social policy public health neurosciences)
• Knowledge or experience of working with Lived Experience Recovery Organisations in England
• Experience of delivering research projects/evaluations at a national level and/or systematic reviewing
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• 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 Amanda Farley email:

Use 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. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyoneon our website.