Research Fellow

Contract: Fixed-term (2 years)

Join Us in Shaping a Healthier, More Sustainable Future

Are you a passionate and driven researcher with a flair for data science and a commitment to tackling some of society's most pressing challenges? Manchester Metropolitan University's School of Nursing and Public Health, within the Faculty of Health and Education, is seeking a Research Fellow to support an exciting new interdisciplinary research programme.

Working closely with Professor Peter Coventry, Professor of Health, Environment and Society, you'll be part of a dynamic and ambitious team focused on public mental health, climate change adaptation, and system innovation. Our mission is to explore how communities, neighbourhoods, and services can respond to health inequalities and prevention challenges through the design and use of green and blue spaces, community assets, and place-based innovations.

About the Role

This two-year post is designed to build data science capacity to support new funding applications in public and community mental health. You'll:

• Apply advanced quantitative and quasi-experimental methods to large datasets (e.g. administrative, environmental, or health data)
• Contribute to high-quality publications and competitive funding bids
• Collaborate across disciplines and with external partners including the NHS, local authorities, and the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sectors

This is a unique opportunity to make a visible impact in an emerging research area, while developing your own ideas and contributing to a growing community of applied researchers.

About You

We're looking for a motivated and independent researcher with:

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills
• Experience working with large and complex datasets in public/population health, mental health, environmental health, or related fields
• Confidence in applying causal inference or quasi-experimental approaches (e.g. difference-in-differences, interrupted time-series, synthetic controls)
• The ability to communicate complex findings to both academic and non-academic audiences
• A collaborative mindset and an interest in systems change, prevention, and sustainability

How to Apply

Please review the essential criteria in the job description and submit a CV that clearly demonstrates your suitability for the role.

For informal enquiries, contact Professor Peter Coventry at p.coventry@mmu.ac.uk.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals. 

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support. 

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.  

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.