Research Fellow - School of Health (1 year)

Job Summary

The School of Health at Robert Gordon University (RGU) is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual to the post of fixed term research fellow to support the project ‘Understanding Nature-Based Social Prescribing and Loneliness in Rural Communities.’

Loneliness is increasingly recognised as a significant public health challenge, particularly within rural communities where geographic isolation, limited access to services, and demographic change exacerbate social disconnection. This project, delivered in partnership with Wild Things! (a long-established environmental education and nature-connection charity), examines whether structured nature-based programmes can strengthen social connectedness, reduce loneliness, and enhance wellbeing in rural North-East Scotland.

Combining validated survey measures with in-depth qualitative interviews, the study explores how participants engage with nature-based interventions, how they understand loneliness and social isolation, and which aspects of outdoor engagement yield the most meaningful psychosocial benefits. Findings will directly inform the development of future interventions, service models, and policy recommendations and will support the design of a planned multi-site Phase 2 study and associated funding application.

We are seeking a Research Fellow to join the project team and contribute to the design, coordination, and delivery of this mixed-methods study with an emphasis on qualitative interviews and methodology. Working closely with the Joint Principal Investigators, Wild Things! practitioners, and community stakeholders, the postholder will support data collection, lead elements of analysis, and play an active role in producing academic, policy, and practice-facing outputs.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for a developing researcher to consolidate their mixed-methods expertise, contribute to a growing programme of loneliness, nature-based interventions, and rural health research, and gain experience engaging with community organisations and interdisciplinary research teams. The School of Health has a vibrant and growing multidisciplinary research culture, and benefits from cross-school and external collaborations. This role will be based primarily within the School of Health at RGU, and the role will involve travel throughout Grampian for data collection purposes.

Informal enquiries are welcomed, please contact Dr Nick Adams or Dr Emma MacIver, joint principal investigators: Dr Nick Adams – n.adams5@rgu.ac.uk Dr Emma MacIver – e.maciver@rgu.ac.uk

Employment is conditional on candidates, if deemed necessary, passing a pre-employment medical and undertaking ongoing health surveillance throughout the course of their employment. This is required in order to support our duty of care under health and safety statute and to ensure that the candidates are able to carry out the functions required by the role.

In keeping with RGU's commitment to work/life balance you will have the opportunity to work in a hybrid manner in line with RGU’s hybrid working policy, 46 days annual leave (including statutory days) an onsite nursery and sports centre, as well as a range of voluntary health and travel benefits.

We are committed to attracting and engaging a diverse range of staff and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome, comfortable to express their ideas, and can reach their full potential. For more information, please visit Our Diverse Workforce pages.

This post is subject to the individual being required to join the PVG scheme. For more information, visit: https://www.mygov.scot/pvg-scheme/

Interviews will take place 4th February 2026.

To apply, please submit your CV along with a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role against the requirements set out in the person specification (maximum 3 pages).

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