Research Associate/Senior Research Associate in Evidence Synthesis

The role

We have an exciting opportunity for a talented systematic reviewer or quantitative researcher with an interest in evidence synthesis to join the BEAM (Bristol Evidence Synthesis, Appraisal and Modelling) Centre at the University of Bristol.

BEAM brings together researchers working on evidence synthesis and modelling research across Bristol Medical School.  BEAM is an internationally renowned centre of excellence in evidence synthesis and is the only centre to host all three types of NIHR funded Evidence Synthesis Groups, providing access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise in evidence synthesis across a broad range of topics and clinical areas.  

The current role will work primarily within the Bristol Evidence Synthesis for Screening (BESS) Group, but with some flexibility to contribute to work of other research groups within BEAM where needed. The BESS Group conducts evidence syntheses to support the work of the UK National Screening Committee (UK SC). 

You will be part of a multidisciplinary team including systematic reviewers, statisticians, information specialists, and health economists. You will also work closely with clinical experts and public contributors. 

Posts are available from 1 September 2026 with funding for up to 3 years. 

Requests for part time hours, as well as flexible and hybrid working patterns will be considered.

What will you be doing?

Projects will include applied evidence syntheses, from evidence maps and rapid reviews to full systematic reviews and may include methodological work related to evidence synthesis. You will be required to contribute to:

• The day-to-day review processes and research-related administration of conducting systematic reviews and other evidence syntheses.
• Developing review protocols, screening studies for inclusion, data collection, risk of bias and GRADE assessments, preparation of datasets, interpretation of data and writing reports.
• Narrative and quantitative syntheses (e.g. meta-analyses) for a wide range of projects.
• Peer reviewed publications, grant proposals and conference presentations

You should apply if

• You have strong training in quantitative research, including knowledge of basic concepts in medical statistics
• You have an enthusiasm to learn more about evidence synthesis and to contribute to the work of the UK National Screening Committee.
• You have some experience of working on evidence synthesis, although this is not a requirement and training will be available
• You have excellent critical appraisal skills for a range of study designs
• You have a relevant PhD (or near completion) in a relevant discipline

Additional information

Contract type: Open-ended with funding for up to 3 years (start date ideally 01/09/2026)

Work pattern:

Shift pattern: 35 hours per week

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Sunday 25th October 2026

Interviews are likely to be held in week commencing Monday 2nd November 2026

For informal queries please contact: Penny Whiting (Professor of Clinical Epidemiology), penny.whiting@bristol.ac.uk Or Hayley Jones (Professor of Medical Statistics), hayley.jones@bristol.ac.uk

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