Research Associate

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Associate to work as part of the  NIHR Policy Research Unit in Palliative and End of Life Care, contributing to policy-relevant research.

This Policy Research Unit (PRU) provides policy makers at the Department of Health and Social Care with timely, relevant, and rapidly-accessible evidence to help them make policy decisions that improve care for patients with advanced illness and their families/carers. The PRU undertakes a core programme of policy research, informed by current and future needs of patients and their families/carers. The PRU also has a Rapid Response facility that delivers timely, high-quality evidence tailored to policy makers’ needs. The PRU delivers findings directly to users of the research (particularly policy makers) through a range of outputs including policy briefings, reports and academic papers.

Working closely with the PRU Director Professor Katherine Sleeman, the postholder will plan, conduct and deliver high quality research, ensuring it is delivered on time. This will include quantitative analysis, using varied datasets including routine data, to support the core programme of policy research and the Rapid Response facility. The postholder will support the wider dissemination and engagement activities associated with the work of the PRU, and contribute to other research streams including systematic and rapid reviews, working collaboratively with researchers at the Cicely Saunders Institute and collaborating universities. The postholder will have demonstrable commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all activities.

We are seeking a self-directed and committed individual with an interest in impact-led research. This is an excellent opportunity to build research skills and work alongside nationally and internationally renowned groups of researchers specialising in palliative and end-of-life care research.

Location: Hybrid – minimum of 2 days on campus (Cicely Saunders Institute, Denmark Hill).

This is a full-time post (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31/12/2026.

About you

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

Essential criteria

• PhD in health or social sciences or similar, awarded to a high level (e.g. first or 2:1) * 
• Experience in quantitative data analysis, including routine data, management of large datasets, and use of statistical software (such as Stata, R or equivalent)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Able to produce high quality reports and academic papers, demonstrating attention to detail and accuracy
• Highly organised, self-motivated, ability to work independently as well as part of a team, flexible and collaborative approach, able to meet tight deadlines and prioritise competing workloads
• Demonstrates a commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6. 

Desirable criteria

• Experience in conducting systematic reviews
• Experience in policy research and/or policy engagement
• An understanding of issues relating to palliative/end-of-life care

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