Research Associate: NIHR VALUE US Study

Vacancy terms: Part time (0.75 fte / 28.125 hours per week. Fixed term contract for to 31 March 2030

About the role

We are seeking a talented Research Associate to join the School of Healthcare at the University of Leicester, contributing to the NIHR VALUE US Study, a realist-informed intervention development and feasibility study focused on improving outcomes and experiences for children with complex care needs in acute hospital settings. Working closely with the Chief Investigator, the study management group and partner sites, you will play a key role in delivering all aspects of the study, including leading a realist review, supporting Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) activities, and contributing to qualitative data collection and analysis involving children, families and healthcare professionals.

This is a collaborative yet autonomous role within a vibrant and research-active team, offering hybrid working with flexibility to support both the study and your individual circumstances. You will contribute to high-quality research outputs, disseminate findings nationally and internationally, and help shape future research activity.

About you

You will hold a PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline and bring experience in qualitative research methods, including data collection and analysis, ideally involving children and families. You will be confident working both independently and collaboratively, with strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities while delivering high-quality outputs within agreed milestones. Excellent communication skills are essential, enabling you to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including participants, collaborators and colleagues across the research community.

You will also demonstrate a commitment to inclusive research practice and professional development, with an interest in realist methods and PPIE approaches. Experience of research dissemination, contributing to academic publications or conferences, and working with children with complex care needs would be advantageous. Above all, you will share the University of Leicester’s values of inclusivity, inspiration and impact, contributing positively to a supportive and forward-thinking academic environment where diverse viewpoints are respected and encouraged.

Additional information

For informal enquiries, please contact Emma Popejoy on ep349@leicester.ac.uk 

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here. 

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

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