Realist Researcher in Primary Care Workforce and Learning (Maternity Cover)

Location: Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford

Applications are invited for a Realist Researcher in the Primary Care Workforce and Learning research group led by Professor Sophie Park (https://www.phc.ox.ac.uk/research/groups-and-centres/workforce-and-learning-research-group). The Compound Pressures project is a realist review funded by the NIHR HSDR programme. The project aims to understand how multiple and intersecting pressures, such as climate change, migration, and winter pressures, affect the organisation and delivery of general practice in the UK. The findings will inform the design of future policies, interventions, and support systems to help general practice adapt and respond effectively. 

The successful applicant will join a multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional team with expertise in primary healthcare organisation and design, workforce sustainability, realist evidence synthesis, qualitative research, and co-production. They will be involved in conducting a realist review. Depending on the stage of the project, responsibilities may include contributing to programme theory development, data extraction, synthesis (realist analysis), interpretation of policy documentation and debate articles, and formulation of an evidence-based programme theory. They will also organise and facilitate relevant PPI and stakeholder meetings and contribute to the development and delivery of the AI-focused SWARS. Applicants will also be encouraged to participate in departmental activities including some teaching and citizenship activities as agreed with their line manager. 

You will have a doctoral degree (e.g. PhD/DPhil) in a relevant subject (e.g. public health, primary care, health psychology, epidemiology, evidence synthesis, or equivalent), with post-qualification research experience, and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline (workforce, primary care, continuity, general practice sustainability) and approach (realist and qualitative methods) to inform research and develop future research projects and methodologies. 

You will be based in the Gibson Building, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Radcliffe Primary Care Building, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG as your normal place of work but there may be the opportunity for some remote working to be agreed with your line manager. 

The position is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), Health and Social Care Delivery Research (HSDR) Programme at the University of Oxford, post (1FTE) for one year. This is a full time 12-month maternity cover post. 

For further information or discuss the post please contact Professor Sophie Park: sophie.park@phc.ox.ac.uk. 

Committed to equality and valuing diversity

You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application. The Supporting Statement should include a cover letter and should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description. Click here for information and advice on writing an effective Supporting Statement. Please do not attach any manuscripts, papers, transcripts, mark sheets or certificates as these will not be considered as part of your application. 

The closing date for applications is 12:00 noon on Friday 12 September 2025. 

Interviews are expected to be held on Friday 26 September 2025.

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