Research Assistant - Horizon Project

About the role

The primary function of the role is to work on a social prescribing project as a research assistant. The role will work across the process evaluation and qualitative workstreams of the SP-EU project (see below). Based in the Community and Primary Care Research Centre (CPCRC).

Experience of health services research, working as part of a process evaluation alongside a trial of complex intervention or similar, or qualitative research, implementation research, potentially with an international component.

Background to project: Social Prescribing (SP) is an innovative way of bridging the gap between health services and non-medical support. It is based on the understanding that many health issues are related to social, emotional or practical needs – like loneliness, isolation, or problems with debt or housing. These challenges cannot be solved by medicine or doctors alone. Through social prescribing, general practitioners (GPs) can refer patients to a link worker — someone who spends time getting to know the patient and helps them find the right community activities or services, such as exercise classes, social clubs, or advice services. This kind of support helps people build confidence, reduce isolation, and take control of their own health. Social prescribing helps to address barriers that people face in finding support in their community. It is an approach that integrates health care, social support, and strengthens community orientation. It can therefore mitigate the effects of the social determinants of health-on-health outcomes.

You will hold a first degree or equivalent in health services or related subject. Experience of research in a related field. You will also have demonstrable experience of working to deadlines and health services research/social prescribing or related subject. Experience of undertaking applied qualitative and / or quantitative research projects is essential.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role please contact Kerryn Husk at kerryn.husk@plymouth.ac.uk

This is a part-time position working up to 22.2 hours per week on a fixed-term basis, starting January 2026 for 30 months due to funding.

Interviews are likely to take place online during week commencing Monday 22^th September 2025 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.

For this role, you will need to be on site 1 days a week. Although we can acommodate working from home for this role, flexibility to be on-site will be expected due to business needs.

About us

The Faculty of Health holds four Silver Athena Swan awards, which recognise our commitment to supporting gender equality within higher education.

Application process

Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

Closing date: 12 midnight, Sunday 7^th September 2025

Our offer

Staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria.

When joining us, you will receive:

• Generous annual leave: 25* Days Annual Leave (pro rata if part-time) plus Bank Holidays* & Closure Days*
• Generous pension scheme
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Development opportunities
• Enhanced family leave
• Flexible working
• Retailer discounts
• On-site nursery

*Pro rata if part-time

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