Research Fellow

Contract available until end of September 2024 with potential to extend until 31 January 2025

We wish to appoint a Research Fellow to support an exciting research project focused on the development and implementation of methods to optimise and sustain engagement of young people in action research and decision-making to improve their health and well-being and that of their communities. The project forms part of the Maintenance Of Physical AcTivity BeHaviour (MOTH) Programme, within the Long-Term Conditions Theme of the National Institute for Health Research (NHIR) Wessex Applied Research Collaboration (ARC). 

You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the research activities of the project, including working extensively with young people to co-create materials and approaches to decision-making, evaluation of project processes and impacts employing qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, convening and conducting young people’s meetings and consultations and communicating and co-ordinating activities with external project partners. You will also be responsible for preparation and drafting of reports, papers and communications. You will have a health or social science-related degree and a relevant postgraduate degree, with experience in conducting qualitative research. Experience of working collaboratively with young people would be an advantage. Excellent organisational skills and the ability to communicate with lay audiences are essential to this role, as is the ability to work as part of a team.

You will join a truly multidisciplinary team of enthusiastic practitioners researchers from across the Faculties of Environment and Life Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Medicine and Social Sciences at the University of Southampton and colleagues from external and third sector organisations who work with young people. The study is supported by the Long-term Conditions Theme within the NIHR Wessex Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) and you will work closely and collaboratively with the NIHR Wessex ARC and partner organisations. 

The NIHR Wessex ARC conducts applied health research with the aims to improve outcomes for patients and public; improve quality, delivery and efficiency of health and care services; increase the sustainability of health and care systems locally and nationally, through collaborative partnership. It has four thematic programmes of work:

• Ageing and Dementia
• Healthy Communities
• Long-term Conditions
• Workforce & Health systems

Informal enquiries are very welcome. Please contact Professor Mary Barker, lead investigator on meb@mrc.soton.ac.uk for further information. 

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification.  The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD.  Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

An enhanced DBS check is required for this role.

Application Procedure 

The application deadline is midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need assistance, call Recruitment on +44 (0) 23 8059 2750, or email recruitment@soton.ac.uk. Quote the vacancy reference 2170923CF on all correspondence. 

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