Senior Research Associate - Social Care (Home Care) or Polypharmacy

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

The Role
We are seeking to recruit a Senior Research Associate to support polypharmacy in social care research in the Newcastle Patient Safety Research Collaborative. We welcome applications from those with post-graduate training and significant work experience in social care (home care) or polypharmacy research.

You will be responsible for driving forward another of projects in the area of polypharmacy and social care. The project will use mixed methods and the post-holder will take the lead in determining, and applying, the most appropriate research methodology to answer the questions. They will have responsibility for developing and leading the recruitment of home care providers and local authorities and for dissemination activities, which will include standard academic dissemination, engagement with health and social care professionals and policy makers, and public dissemination. They will also take the lead for public & patient involvement and engagement (PPIE) activities within the projects.

The post will join the thriving, dynamic, multi-disciplinary Patient Safety Research Collaboration in the School of Pharmacy/Population Health Sciences Institute at Newcastle University. You must be enthusiastic about working in multi-disciplinary teams and a wide range of stakeholders.

Challenges are often encountered in research and you will need to be responsive to these, and have the ability to solve problems and find solutions. You may be expected to be involved in supervision and professional development of more junior research staff and supervision of undergraduate and post-graduate students. You will also be encouraged and supported to develop your own research ideas and contribute to, and develop, funding applications.

The post is full-time, starting 1st October 2026, for a period of 18 months.

Please note that Newcastle University is a campus-based university; while blended working arrangements may be possible, we would be unlikely to consider applicants who wish to work entirely remotely.

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Professor Barbara Hanratty (Barbara.Hanratty@newcastle.ac.uk) or Professor Adam Todd (adam.todd@newcastle.ac.uk) for an informal discussion.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead the delivery of the projects, setting and monitoring targets, and ensuring successful delivery on time and within budget.
• Drive the selection and application of appropriate research methods.
• Lead applications for data access and ensure necessary approvals are in place, as required.
• Undertake rapid reviews of relevant literature to inform the project and ensure it remains up-to-date and grounded in contemporary social care.
• Lead regular project meetings.
• Develop and implement dissemination plan for projects, with a focus on maximising impact.
• Developing effective working relationships with other project staff and collaborators, both social, health, local authority and academic.
• Take responsibility for reporting activities as required by the project funder.
• Identify and undertake a programme of professional development, including further training in research methods or other transferable skills.
• Initiate funding applications.
• Provide supervision of, and support development of, other researchers within the PSRC.
• Participate in activities of the PSRC and Population Health Science Research Institute.
• Contribute to the supervision of undergraduate and post-graduate projects & dissertations.
• Undertake other reasonable duties as required.

Advert information