Principal Research Fellow in Research Methods (Fixed term)

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Principal Research Fellow with expertise in quantitative research methods and/or clinical trials to take a senior role in the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Support Service (RSS Hub) delivered by University of Leicester and Partners. This post will be based at the University of Nottingham. You will be responsible for the leadership of the RSS team based at Nottingham, supporting the development, strategic management and expert delivery of activities across the hub and nationally. 

You will join a thriving research community within the School of Medicine, with opportunities to link with the UKCRC-registered Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit to design and conduct high quality, high impact clinical trials. You will be a research leader with an established national, and increasing international, reputation and a successful record of leading and collaborating with multidisciplinary research teams to deliver applied health and social care research.  

Hub advisors and professional services staff are based within the School of Medicine’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Service, which provides strategic support to the School for all research strategy, operations and development activities aligned closely with the work of the Research and Knowledge Exchange Committee and the University Research Strategy.

As well as providing advice and support to research teams, you will have a leadership role within the School of Medicine. You will participate in academic organisation, management and strategic planning and will also contribute to the University’s strategic planning processes. You will act as investigator on major research projects within clinical and applied health and care research and will identify opportunities for the development of new research projects. You will have line management responsibilities, including responsibility for the professional development of RSS staff at the University of Nottingham.

Applicants must have a PhD or equivalent in an area relevant to applied health and social care and/or equivalent extensive professional and research experience. 

Applicants must have exceptional knowledge and skills in quantitative research methods and/or clinical trials in health and social care research; excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate with clarity on complex information to people from different scientific disciplines and different institutions across the country; proven ability to provide effective leadership and management of groups; high analytical ability to facilitate conceptual thinking, innovation and creativity; deep understanding and significant experience of the role of quantitative methods in health and social care research, with wide-ranging knowledge of alternative data collection approaches; extensive track record of published research, research impact, successful consultancy activities and/or delivery of specialist services to external customers/clients.

The post will be offered on a fixed term basis until 30th September 2028. Hours of work are full-time (36.25 hours) ; however applications are also welcome from candidates wishing to work part-time (minimum 29 hours per week). Please specify in your application if you wish to work part time and the number of preferred hours. Job share arrangements may be considered.

Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Alison Riding, email Alison.Riding1@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

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