Senior Research Associate (Realist Methods)

The role 

We are looking to appoint an experienced health services researcher with expertise in Realist Evaluation and realist-informed evidence synthesis. This role is to support the first work package of an ambitious, mixed-methods project in the field of avoidable hospital admissions and community care, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) until 2026. 

The ENHANCE project (EvaluatioN of Hospital Admission AvoidANCE Interventions) aims to use realist methods to understand why some initiatives aimed at avoiding unplanned hospital admissions work, and why some may not. The project will combine evidence synthesis with a prospective observational study at a number of ‘case study’ sites, where community-based initiatives are in place to avoid unplanned hospital admissions. The project will develop (and test) programme theories relating to the differing contexts in which the admission avoidance services operate, and seek to understand how outcomes and mechanisms are related. This post will specifically support the first work package – a rapid realist review of the literature. 

Based in the Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC), this project is part of a wide-ranging portfolio of prestigious work delivered under the REACH collaboration - https://www.bristolhealthpartners.org.uk/research-in-our-region/reach/. 

What will you be doing? 

You will lead in delivering the first work package of this study, a rapid realist review of the literature, and of contributing to the programme theories and refining the design of the follow-on prospective observational component of the work. You will work with methodologists and stakeholders (including public participants) to identify relevant literature, perform searches, screen and extract data and lead on the analysis in accordance with the principles of realist evidence synthesis. As the post holder you will have a good working familiarity with the organisation and delivery or community, primary and acute care in the UK, and will be able to rapidly prioritise literature relevant to the topic.  You will also co-ordinate some focussed activities with the project’s established PPIE panel and stakeholder group, to support relevant theory development. It is expected that you would take a lead on writing up the findings for a publication, supported by the PI and collaborators.  

There is the opportunity for blended/hybrid working arrangements, although a regular presence in the department will be necessary.  

You should apply if 

• You have a strong background in Realist Evaluation methods, RE theory and/or Realist-Informed Evidence Synthesis 
• You have a good working knowledge (and research experience) of how primary care, community care and urgent/emergency services operate in the UK 
• You are keen to be involved in subsequent follow-on work, and more broadly with the work of the REACH collaboration 

This advert will close at 23:59 GMT on 06/04/2023

For informal queries please contact: Dr Matthew Booker  Matthew.Booker@Bristol.ac.uk

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