Senior Research Associate (MHRG)

Lancaster University has a world-class reputation as a centre for excellence in teaching and research. It is in the top 1 per cent of universities in the world and highly ranked in each of the UKs major university league tables. The Division of Health Research (DHR), within Lancaster University’s Faculty of Health and Medicine, is seeking to appoint an experienced Senior Research Associate to join the new Mental Health Research Group (MHRG). The MHRG is a five-year initiative funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), who have recently awarded Lancaster University almost £11 million to conduct world-class mental health research in the North West region.   

In conjunction with partners, the group will identify local needs and priorities for mental health research to develop more proactive, preventative models of care. The work will tackle inequities in access to effective mental health interventions, particularly for those experiencing multiple disadvantages and/or complexity. The voices of diverse individuals with lived experience are central to the research programme. 

You will work alongside Jasper Palmier-Claus, Steven Jones and Euan Lawson to lead and deliver a project enabling physical health appointments in people with severe mental health difficulties. This role will involve evaluating the intervention, as well as carrying out a process evaluation to better understand how and why the intervention works, for whom, and in what contexts. You will have a strong background in mental health research and a PhD in a related discipline (or equivalent experience). Knowledge of clinical trial methodology and qualitative approaches, plus an understanding of the ethical and governance processes associated with intervention studies, would be advantageous. You will be expected to contribute to the development of future competitive funding applications; previous experience is desirable.

The post will be based in the Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research at Lancaster University (Health Innovation campus) and will involve some travel within the UK. 

Our team and the Division of Health Research offer a friendly environment that strongly supports the individual needs of each employee and actively promotes a healthy work-life balance. The Faculty is committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies and has held a Silver Athena SWAN award since 2014 in recognition of its good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education and research.

The post is available to start July 2026 and we will consider against the business needs of the project flexible working arrangements including condensed hours, days/hours worked and flexible start and finish times. You will join Lancaster University on an indefinite contract; however, the role remains contingent on external funding, which at this time is due to come to an end on 30^th June 2031.

Applicants wishing to consider the Skilled Worker Route should ensure they meet the points requirement before applying. Further information can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website.

For further information on the role and to discuss any aspects of the position, please contact:

Dr. Jasper Palmier-Claus email: j.palmier-claus@lancaster.ac.uk or Professor Steven Jones email: s.jones7@lancaster.ac.uk

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