Research Fellow in Applied Healthcare and Care Research

Are you an ambitious researcher passionate about applied health and social care research? Do you want to work with world-leading experts and advance your career at one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities?

The University of Leeds is one of the top 135 universities in the world. We have a truly global community, with more than 39,000 students from 170 different countries and over 9,000 staff of 100 different nationalities. Established in 1904, we have a strong tradition of academic excellence, reflected in first-class student education, along with world-leading research that has a real impact around the globe.

We are looking for a Research Fellow (Applied Social Care Research) to join our team and lead the day-to-day delivery of an NIHR-funded project evaluating innovative models of home care provision. The role involves leading case studies in two localities and managing dissemination activities. The project, delivered by 31 October 2027, is a collaboration between the Universities of Leeds, York, and Newcastle, local councils, NHS community trusts, care providers, third-sector organisations, and public collaborators.

This multi-method study combines evidence synthesis, qualitative research, and secondary analysis of quantitative data. It demands a researcher with the ability to work collaboratively and sensitively with home care commissioners, providers, carers, and those accessing home care services, as well as a range of methodologists. You will work closely with colleagues in the team to deliver this project and contribute to our ambitious research portfolio in the School of Healthcare.

You will contribute to the School of Healthcare’s ambitious research portfolio, which addresses questions that matter for health and social care, improving quality of life for service users and working conditions for staff. The School is a lead partner in the NIHR School for Social Care Research (Phase IV), NICHE-Leeds (a science-care partnership), and the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre’s accelerated healing and rehabilitation work. We don't just “do research”; a key part of our work is developing capacity and skills and mobilising knowledge - working with the right people (people accessing health and social care, their families, practitioners, providers, commissioners) to make a difference in practice and policy. We will expect you to be willing to work with our partners and be flexible in the approaches you use. This is an excellent opportunity to work with experts in applied health and care research.

Supervised by Professor Karen Spilsbury, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to impactful research and collaborate with leading experts in applied health and care.

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – that’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme plus life assurance– the University contributes 14.5% of salary
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team, and self-development courses including languages, Creative Writing, Wellbeing Therapies and much more.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

If you are looking for a role that will develop your research skills and you as a leader whilst working in a friendly and supportive team, apply today.

Advert information