Research Fellow in Public Health and Social Care

Hours: 0.5 FTE/ 18.75 hours per week over 2.5 days.

Contract Type: Fixed term until 30 September 2027

Expected Interview date: Week Commencing 08 September 2025

Expected start date: October 2025

About the role

The Research Fellow will be part of a 2-year project funded by the NIHR Research Programme for Social Care looking at how homecare supports the food and drink needs of older adults in the UK, with a focus on quality of life and socio-cultural aspects of eating, drinking, and care.

The post-holder will be responsible for supporting the PI with day-to-day research and knowledge mobilisation activities. You will play a key role in conducting document analysis and semi-structured interviews with a range of participants, analysing qualitative data, and co-leading participatory workshops. The poster holder will be expected to contribute to the write-up of findings as well as research publications and, where required, funder reports.

Participants recruitment, data collection and dissemination will require travelling to London and Brighton and Hove for an extensive part of the project. Other research activities will be desk-based.

You will work closely with the Principal Investigator and support the Department of Primary Care and Public Health. You will join a multi-disciplinary team of colleagues at BSMS, University of Kent, and University of Surrey, and public advisors.

Please find further information regarding the Department of Primary Care & Public Health at Primary Care and Public Health - BSMS.

About you

You will have a PhD in anthropology, sociology, social care or a related discipline (or relevant working experience) and demonstrable expertise in conducting qualitative research and analysis.

You will have an emerging track record of high-quality, peer-reviewed research and/or other appropriate media of similar standing. You will demonstrate excellent communication and organisational skills, and attention to issues of dignity, respect, and confidentiality in research will be essential. You will work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team and with collaborators in social care and local government, actively participating in knowledge mobilisation, conferences and publications.

The successful candidate will bring the enthusiasm, initiative, and organisational skills needed to drive the project forward, while contributing to a supportive and inclusive research environment.

About our School

Please find further information regarding the School at Brighton and Sussex Medical School.

Brighton and Sussex Medical School is proud to hold a Gold Athena Swann Award.

Why work here

Find out more about our reward and benefits package.

Find out about our equality, diversity and inclusion.

Further Key Information

Please contact Dr Lavinia Bertini (l.bertini@bsms.ac.uk) for informal enquiries.

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK. 

Visa Sponsorship Queries: This role has been assigned an eligible SOC code, however, the role does not meet the eligibility for sponsorship due to its part-time nature. Please consult our Skilled Worker Visa information page for further information about Visa Sponsorship. 

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