Research Fellow: PPIE and Coproduction Lead

Are you passionate about meaningful Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) in mental health research? Do you want to help shape an ambitious, multi-project programme designed to transform mental health research across the South‑West Peninsula?

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in developing and delivering a high‑quality PPIE and Coproduction strategy for a major new five‑year research investment. The programme aims to strengthen mental health research capacity across the region and focuses on generating equitable, sustainable solutions grounded in lived experience. This work is delivered in partnership with King’s College London and the University of Exeter, within a wider "system balance" programme exploring mental health system equity and sustainability.

About the Role

Working closely with the Working With People and Communities Lead, PPIE co‑applicants, and collaborators with lived experience, you will:

• Co‑design, coordinate, and evaluate PPIE activities across multiple research projects.
• Recruit, coordinate, and provide pastoral support for the overarching lived experience advisory group.
• Advise project teams on appropriate and effective involvement of people with lived experience.
• Upskill, support, and empower researchers to deliver high‑quality PPIE that aligns with national standards and advances towards Coproduction.
• Contribute to strategic planning and evaluation, supported by experienced mentors and the McPin Foundation.
• Work as part of a welcoming and skilled team, supported by administrative colleagues and embedded within a programme that values lived experience expertise.

The role requires travel to meet lived experience collaborators across the South‑West Peninsula.

Appointment Level

This role is available at two levels:

• B1108 - Researcher (Grade 6)
• B1109 - Research Fellow (Grade 7)

Applicants should apply for the grade that best matches their skills and experience. Those wishing to be considered for both grades must submit separate applications.

Career Development & Long-Term Vision

The initial five-year funding supports the development of a research group and a suite of mental health research projects. Our goal is to become a self‑sustaining research centre that extends well beyond the first funding window.

We welcome applicants who want to build a long-term career in PPIE, coproduction, mental health research, and collaborative approaches. You will be encouraged and supported to contribute to future funding bids.

We welcome and value lived experience of mental health problems, though disclosure is entirely optional and at the discretion of the individual. Our team includes people with disclosed and undisclosed lived experience, and we foster a safe, respectful environment for everyone.

Who We're Looking For

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Have experience in PPIE, coproduction, mental health research, or related collaborative methodologies.
• Are committed to equitable, inclusive, lived-experience‑led research.
• Can build trusting relationships with diverse communities and collaborators.
• Have strong communication and organisational skills.
• Are motivated to help shape a major regional mental health research programme.

Closing date:  12 midnight, Wednesday 11 March 2026

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