Research Associate (Qualitive)

Job reference: BMH-031586
Salary: £37,694 - £46,049 per annum depending on experience
Faculty/Organisational Unit: Biology, Medicine Health
Location: Oxford Road
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: Division of Population Health, Health Services Research And Primary Care
Hours Per Week: Full Time (1 FTE)
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 17/06/2026
Contract Duration: Fixed term for 15 months
School/Directorate: School of Health Sciences

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Research Associate (Qualitative) within the Health Organisation, Policy and Economics (HOPE) research group. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to high‑quality, policy‑relevant research focused on health and care systems and commissioning, working closely with academic colleagues and policymakers in a dynamic and inclusive research environment.

This post is part of the NIHR Policy Research Unit in Health and Care Systems and Commissioning (PRUComm) and is based within the Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. The role is full time and fixed term from 1 August 2026 to 31 October 2027.

You will be responsible for:

• Undertaking high‑quality qualitative research as part of PRUComm projects
• Designing and conducting interviews, focus groups, observations and case study research
• Analysing qualitative data independently and collaboratively using appropriate methods and software
• Writing academic papers, project reports and policy‑focused outputs
• Engaging with policymakers and stakeholders and presenting findings to diverse audiences

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria :

• A PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant social science or health‑related discipline
• Significant experience of qualitative research, including data collection and analysis
• Good understanding of the English NHS, including policy, commissioning and service delivery
• A strong track record of producing high‑quality written outputs, including peer‑reviewed publications
• Excellent communication, organisational and collaborative working skills

Desirable Criteria :

• Experience of qualitative research with senior or elite stakeholders
• Experience of mixed‑methods research
• Experience contributing to research grant applications
• Experience researching organisational or policy aspects of health or social care in England

We value transferable skills, reflective research practice and a commitment to producing research that informs policy and improves health and care systems.

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer pension contribution
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements, alongside strong training and development support

For more information, please see https://www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/benefits-working-here/.

You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here:
https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/people/current-staff/flexible-and-hybrid-working/ 

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy:
https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/news/display/?id=32905. 

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews
Name: Dr Jonathan Hammond
Email Address: jonathan.hammond@manchester.ac.uk 

General enquiries and administrative support
recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk 

Technical and job portal support
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home 

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

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