Research Fellow (Qualitative)

Contract type: Full time (35hrs per week) Part time hours considered (min 28hrs per week).

Fixed Term available from 1st January 2026 – 30th April 2027.

Location: Usher Institute, Edinburgh Bioquarter.

This post is advertised as full-time (35 hours per week), however, we will consider part-time or flexible working patterns (minimum of 28 hours / week).  

We will also consider requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular (weekly) on-campus working.  The Usher Institute expects a minimum of 40%* on campus working.

The Centre for Population Health Sciences at the Usher Institute within The University of Edinburgh is looking for an enthusiastic, qualitative researcher who has a background in social science research. The post holder will work on a Diabetes UK funded study which is seeking to understand what it is like for people to live with the knowledge of being at ‘high risk’ of developing type 1 diabetes following Islet autoantibody screening. The post holder will conduct and analyse in-depth interviews with adults, adolescents and parents of children who have tested positive for type 1 diabetes autoantibodies. We are particularly interested in exploring the social and ethical issues which may arise from type 1 diabetes autoantibody screening.

The Opportunity:

This is an excellent opportunity for a social scientist who wishes to develop or consolidate a career in health-related research. Applicants must have a PhD in a relevant area (or equivalent experience). A willingness and ability to work flexible hours (e.g., evenings) is essential. 
If you are interested in applying for this post, we strongly encourage you to contact Professor Julia Lawton (J.Lawton@ed.ac.uk) for an informal discussion in the first instance.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• A commitment to and enthusiasm for undertaking research on this topic
• A demonstrated ability to conduct and analyse in-depth interviews
• A demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed academic journals
• A willingness to work collaboratively with the PI and other team members
• A willingness and ability to work flexibility (e.g., to do interviews in the evenings)

Apply Before: 11/11/2025, 23:59

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