Research Fellow in Health Services Research

The role

We are seeking a highly motivated, experienced health services researcher to work on the SIGNAL-BREAST project which aims to agree the international research priorities for locoregional breast cancer treatment. The project is co-led by Professor Shelley Potter (University of Bristol, UoB) and Professor Stuart McIntosh (Queen’s University Belfast, QUB) and will be based within the newly formed BEACON (Breast Cancer Evidence, Advancement and Optimisation Network) Group, a collaboration between UoB and QUB. BEACON (Breast Cancer Evidence, Advancement and Optimisation Network) hosts a portfolio of research focused improving treatment personalisation to reduce treatment associated morbidity and improve outcomes for patients with breast cancer. The SIGNAL-BREAST project is an international collaboration of breast cancer research groups funded by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Funding is available at 0.8FTE for 12 months to deliver the project. The role will be based in the Department of Clinical Sciences at the Learning and Research Building, Southmead Hospital with a requirement to be on campus at least one day per week. The University of Bristol is a top 5 UK university for research quality (REF 2021) with 94% of its research classed as world-leading or internationally excellent. Career development is supported through the University’s extensive training programmes, including the Bristol Medical School Short Courses Programme (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/medical-school/study/short-courses/courses/).

What will you be doing?

The postholder will:

• Coordinate, oversee and deliver the SIGNAL-BREAST project, under the general guidance of the BEACON co-leads.
• Determine and deploy appropriate methodologies (e.g. quantitative, qualitative, systematic reviews) for designing and conducting the international consensus process and analysing and summarising data, with advice and support from the study leads.
• Contribute to preparing study reports for review bodies and funders, write up own research work for publication and/or contribute as a team member to larger publications, present research findings, e.g. at conferences, study meetings.
• Complete appropriate procedures to obtain relevant ethical and governance approvals and permissions.
• Undertake any other duties as requested by the BEACON co-leads.

You should apply if

The ideal candidate will have the following:

• A PhD or equivalent in health services research or equivalent
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies including systematic reviews.
• Experience designing and delivering consensus processes
• Experience of large-scale research project management
• Excellent communication and time-management skills
• Experience of coordinating patient and public involvement and engagement activities

An interest in breast cancer research and experience of international collaborations would be desirable.

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding until 30/06/2027

Work pattern: 85% time / 0.85fte (29.75 hours per week)

Shift pattern: Flexible 

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 09/08/2026

For informal queries please contact: 

Professor Shelley Potter (Professor of Surgical Oncology)

Shelley.potter@bristol.ac.uk

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