Senior Research Associate - Qualitative or Mixed Methods Public Health Research

The role

We are seeking to appoint a qualitative or mixed-methods Senior Research Associate (SRA) to support the evaluation of implementation of Why Weight? Pledge for Creating Healthier Places Together (Why Weight Pledge), an initiative being implemented across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) Integrated Care Partnership.

The Why Weight Pledge is a set of ten commitments across five themes, aimed at creating healthier environments and implementing a compassionate approach to address weight stigma. Organisations that are part of BNSSG ICP, including local councils, NHS organisations (like GPs and hospitals) and community and voluntary sector organisations are signing up to the Pledge. These organisations have committed to developing action plans to put the pledge into practice. The person appointed to this role will play a central role in the early evaluation of how the Pledge is being implemented. 

The research is funded by the NIHR Three Schools Prevention Programme and the appointed person will be a member of Bristol Medical School’s Centre for Public Health.  

What will you be doing?

The evaluation comprises four work packages (WPs). The appointed SRA will lead or contribute to each, with support from other team members. Activities will include: 

• Conducting semi-structured paired interviews with senior leaders and practice leads from participating organisations (WP1)
• Supporting the design, implementation and analysis of practitioner surveys to assess implementation capacity and resource use (WP2)
• Facilitating Ripple Effects Mapping workshops with staff involved in delivering the Pledge, to explore emerging impacts (WP3)
• Running focus groups with community members engaged in the co-production and implementation of Pledge activities (WP4)
• Supporting Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement activities across the project.

You should apply if

Applicants will need to have a relevant postgraduate degree, i.e. a PhD in a relevant health or social science discipline, or equivalent professional/research experience in the research area required.

Successful applicants will have experience of conducting applied public health or health services research. They will require experience of writing study protocols, gaining ethical approval for research studies, the collection and analysis of primary data, and the reporting of findings in oral and written form. They will need experience of conducting qualitative research (e.g., focus groups, interviews) on sensitive topics, using qualitative research software (e.g., NVivo), and have a record of peer reviewed publications commensurate with career to date.

Candidates will also need to show enthusiasm, attention to detail, have excellent oral and written communication skills, and a proven ability to work both independently and within a multi-disciplinary team. 

Full details of the essential criteria for applicants can be found within the job description.   

Additional information

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 14/07/2025

For any informal queries please contact Dr Beki Langford (beki.langford@bristol.ac.uk) or Dr Georgie MacArthur (georgie.macarthur@n-somerset.gov.uk)

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We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

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