Research Fellow (Qualitative and Wider Engagement)

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity to be part of a large NIHR-funded study exploring what is working and what isn’t in the care of people at the end of their lives: https://fundingawards.nihr.ac.uk/award/NIHR167160. The study is led by Associate Professor Susie Pearce at the University of Plymouth (UoP), with project partners located at various universities, NHS institutions and organisations in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. The study uses a participatory realist approach and has four work packages. This post will support two of these work packages:

• Work Package 1 (WP1): conducting in-depth qualitative case studies in rural and coastal areas. This includes interviews, observations, and focus groups with patients, families, professionals, and community organisations to understand what supports or hinders high-quality end-of-life care.
• Work Package 3 (WP3): supporting local scoping and wider engagement l to support the collection of locally collected routine data to explore access, patterns of care, and inequalities in end-of-life care provision.

You will be based at UoP and line-managed by Susie Pearce with support from other co-investigators. The role involves working closely with both qualitative and quantitative leads across the research team and supporting integrated analysis and dissemination.

The post will be based in the School of Nursing and Midwifery within the Faculty of Health. The School of Nursing and Midwifery works in partnership with local NHS trusts and other health care providers to drive forward clinical research and support students in their learning to become the best nurses and midwives they can be. An interdisciplinary approach to research covers, health services and delivery research, digital technologies, workforce research, and how knowledge is translated into practice and policy.

What we’re looking for

We are looking for a researcher with experience in both qualitative methods with the ability to support. You should be confident conducting fieldwork in health and care settings, analysing qualitative data, and wider scoping and engagement processes. Experience of participatory or realist research is desirable but not essential. Applicants who have previously worked in sensitive research areas or with vulnerable populations are particularly encouraged to apply.

The role will be based at Intercity Place at the University of Plymouth, with data collection for the case studies in Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset with an opportunity to discuss a hybrid online and in person working pattern. You will be required to travel regularly to Plymouth as well as collecting data from health and care providers in the regions listed above. These may not always be accessible by public transport.

For an informal online discussion about the role please contact Susie Pearce (susie pearce@plymouth.ac.uk)

This role will require an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check plus a Adults' Barred List check.

This is a part-time position working 29.6 hours per week on a fixed term basis until 31 January 2028.

Requests for part-time working will be considered.

Application Process

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

Our Offer

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.

Closing date: 12 midnight, Monday 08 December 2025

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