Transdisciplinary Placements in Public Health Research

The NIHR School for Public Health Research (SPHR) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for Transdisciplinary Placements in public health research.

We have launched our second round of the Transdisciplinary Placements scheme, which offers funding for short placements of around 6–8 weeks aimed at those currently working outside of public health, but in a relevant field, who want to gain experience of academic public health research. Successful candidates will be based at one of our member institutions and will contribute to an SPHR research project, gaining experience of academic public health research with the support of an SPHR researcher supervisor.  

The NIHR School for Public Health Research (SPHR) aims to build the evidence base for effective public health practice by bringing together England’s leading public health research expertise in one virtual organisation. The School conducts applied public health research to increase the volume and quality evidence on cost-effective interventions and supports local public health practitioners and policy makers to engage with research and seek out research evidence to inform their decisions.

The placements will be short placements can occur as a block or part-time over a series of weeks between January and April 2024.

Fellowships will be aligned to the SPHR research programmes:

• Health inequalities
• Public mental health
• Healthy places, healthy planet
• Children, young people & families

Equality, diversity and inclusion are a priority in the NIHR School for Public Health Research (SPHR). We feel strongly that a diverse community of researchers in public health is needed to meet the needs of policy makers, practitioners and the public to improve public health and reduce health inequalities. No one should face barriers when applying for a fellowship at NIHR SPHR, and we are keen to make sure the application process is fair and accessible to everyone. If you would like us to make adjustments during the application process, please contact us at sphr.training@ncl.ac.uk.

The closing date for applications is 4pm Monday 16th October 

FAQs

Who can apply for these placements?

These placements are aimed at people working outside of public health research but in a relevant field (e.g., engineering, architecture, law, public policy, data science). Public health research is transdisciplinary and intersects with many areas of society. Successful applicants will have a strong research track record in their base discipline, which must have relevance to public health. Applicants will be expected to provide evidence of research outputs in a form relevant to their field and demonstrate the impact of this work.

Who is not eligible to apply?

Individuals who are working in a discipline that is traditionally recognised as a route into public health research. This includes epidemiology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, health economics, medical statistics, nursing, dentistry and professions allied to medicine such as physiotherapy and nutrition. If you are not sure if you are eligible to apply, please contact sphr.training@ncl.ac.uk.

How do I apply?

Applications for placements will close 4pm Monday 16th October 2023 To apply, please click on the 'Apply' button above.

How flexible are the placements?

Placements can occur as a block or part-time over a series of weeks between January – April 2024. We understand that some applicants will need to take time out of full-time jobs to complete these placements. Candidate circumstances will be looked at on an individual basis.

What type of research will I be doing?

Candidates will have the opportunity to work with SPHR researchers to develop and shape projects to align the knowledge and expertise of the candidate with ongoing research in the School. In the meantime, find out more about our 2022–2027 research programmes.

Will these placements be available next year as well?

There are no further rounds planned currently.

What are Transdisciplinary Fellowships?

We are also planning salaried Transdisciplinary Fellowships which will offer funding of up to 24 months for individuals with a strong research track record in their base discipline (which has relevance to public health). The first year will involve an approved MSc in public health and the second year an in-depth SPHR research project. The SPHR Transdisciplinary Fellowship competition will launch in early 2024.

Are these placements open to international applicants? 

Applicants will need to have a UK employer to apply for this scheme.

If you have any questions or would like to speak to us informally, please contact us at sphr.training@ncl.ac.uk