Post Doctoral Research Associate (Health Workforce Research)

Please note, this post is fixed-term and full time until the 28th February 2030

Closing Date:   Sunday 04 October 2026

Interview Date:   Friday 16 October 2026

This is an externally funded Post-Doctoral Research Associate position supporting the Allied Health Professions Workforce Research Partnership, a five-year programme funded by the NIHR Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme.

The partnership brings together six universities across three regional hubs – South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the East of England – to undertake research that will contribute to the development of a sustainable and effective Allied Health Professions (AHP) workforce, with a particular focus on rural and coastal communities and deprived urban areas.

The post will support the delivery of the second phase of the research programme, working collaboratively with researchers, NHS partners and universities across the partnership. The successful applicant will join the University of Lincoln team within the School of Health and Care Sciences and the Lincoln Institute for Rural and Coastal Health (LIRCH). LIRCH is the UK's first integrated multidisciplinary research institute dedicated to rural and coastal health and is undergoing significant expansion following a £10.9 million award from Research England's Expanding Excellence in England (E3) fund.

We are seeking a researcher with experience of undertaking research within a UK health and care context, together with a good understanding of the UK Allied Health Professions and the workforce challenges affecting these professions. The successful applicant will have experience of contributing to complex research projects and skills in areas including literature searching and qualitative research methods. Experience of collaborative working with academic, NHS and/or other health and care partners would be particularly valuable.

The role offers hybrid working, but flexibility and the ability to travel across the region to work with NHS, university and other collaborative partners are essential.

About the University of Lincoln

The University of Lincoln is committed to transforming lives and communities through high-quality teaching, research and knowledge exchange. Research growth is a key strategic priority, and the University continues to invest in its research environment, expertise and partnerships. In REF 2021, 79% of Lincoln's research was rated internationally excellent or world-leading. The University also holds an overall Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023 and was awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Further and Higher Education in 2023.

This role provides an opportunity to join a growing interdisciplinary research environment and contribute to a major national research partnership addressing important challenges for the future AHP workforce.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Associate Professor Dr Sophie Willis (swillis@lincoln.ac.uk).

You can find out more about working at Lincoln, and everything that we have to offer, at: 

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/jobopportunities/

We strive for a diverse workforce with the very best employees and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. The University encourages applications from underrepresented groups inclusive of Black, Asian and other minoritised/marginalised ethnic groups, all gender identities and expressions from the LGBTQIA+ community, candidates with a disability, and those that practise different faiths and beliefs, to enhance our One Community where we strive to be kind, patient, and supportive of each other.

Type / Role:

Subject Area(s):

Location(s):