Qualitative Research Associate in the Department of Health Services & Population Research

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced qualitative researcher with expertise in health services research.

The appointed researcher will work on a national study in patient safety looking at Epistemic Exclusion and Patient Safety Participation, aimed at improving decision-making in patient safety for a wider diversity of groups and particularly for those from racialised backgrounds, people with mental health challenges or learning disabilities, who are more likely to experience healthcare harm.

Key tasks will be to work with the project lead, Dr Josephine Ocloo and Dr Blaine Robin a sociologist advisor to the project and other stakeholders on a key scoping theoretical review of the sociological theory literature. The review aims to identify approaches which can best support coproduction, involvement, engagement, and participation, with a diversity of groups in patient safety improvement. Wider tasks include: contributing to evidence synthesis work across the project work including helping to develop protocols, searching bibliographic databases, screening, analysing and interpretation of data and write up; working with the Integrated Care Boards (statutory NHS organisations, responsible for developing plans for meeting the health needs of the population in a geographical area), who are part of the study, with the study PI, to develop strategies, analyse and evaluate data that can help develop local ICB patient safety reporting and learning; conducting and analysing qualitative interviews (with the study lead) with healthcare staff and diverse patient groups affected by healthcare harm, for publication in high-quality journals.

The post will be on a fixed term contract at 100% FTE (35 hours per week) until 6th October 2027.

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. Relevant PhD/DPhil with post-qualification research experience in an academic setting
2. Substantial experience of independently conducting academic reviews, (mixed, scoping rapid or overviews of reviews), with particular experience looking at sociological/social science evidence.
3. Strong experience of conducting qualitative interviews and analysing and publishing the research in peer-reviewed, scientific journals.
4. Leadership experience on substantial projects or collaborations in an academic setting
5. A systematic and thorough approach to work with a high level of attention to detail
6. Excellent organisational and time management skills and willingness to work flexibly
7. A commitment to team working, professionalism and respect for others.
8. Track record of working with stakeholders in different organisational structures including patients, service users and carers.

Desirable criteria

1. Experience of supervising, appraising, coaching, and mentoring of research assistants
2. Knowledge of models of co-production in mental health and working with peer researchers as part of a research team.
3. Knowledge of different types of discrimination and how this can impact different groups in healthcare and research.
4. Knowledge of patient safety and healthcare harm and how this can operate in healthcare processes with different groups.
5. Experience of writing and submitting research grant applications

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