Research Fellow Department of Applied Health Sciences 107354 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

Full Time Fixed Term contract up to October 2026

Closing date: 30th April 2026

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking ethnographic research into eating disorders (by carrying out data collection online and in-person in the West Midlands and also analyses) as well as project management and admin support.

Role Summary

• Work within the UKRI-funded project an anthropological approach to eating disorders
• Operate within the discipline of medical anthropology
• Contribute to ethnographic data collection online and across the West Midlands
• Analyse and interpret ethnographic research findings and results and write publications for academic clinical and lay audiences
• Contribute to generating funding and follow-on studies
• Contribute to liaising with a range of stakeholders across community clinical and policy domains.

Main Duties

• Collect research data through in-depth narrative interviews and ethnographic methods as well as conducting literature reviews across social science psychological and clinical literature on eating disorders.
• Lead on the analysis of ethnographic datasets and apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understandings of eating disorders across a range of social and cultural groups
• Present research outputs including drafting academic publications or parts thereof for example at seminars conferences and as posters
• Develop or adapt techniques models and methods specifically in medical anthropology and/or at the intersections of anthropology and psychology
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• 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
• Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree and higher degree in medical anthropology are essential with expertise also in psychology desirable
• Fluency in social and individual approaches to understanding mental distress/illness is essential
• In-depth knowledge of the existing psychological and anthropological literature on eating disorders is highly desirable
• Practical experience of research interviewing and ethnographic methods is essential with experience of using these in the study of eating disorders desirable.
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• 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.

DBS required

The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory DBS clearance prior to appointment.

Further particulars can be foundhere

Informal enquiries to Anna Lavis 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.