Health Services Research Fellow

About York St John University

Situated in the heart of the historic city of York, with the addition of our London Campus, York St John University has a long and proud tradition as a distinguished higher education provider.

Our success is founded on the quality of academic teaching and research, our thriving campus environments, our professional and pastoral support, and our values of an inclusive, innovative and ambitious community with a strong sense of belonging.

The team

You will join the Institute for Health and Care Improvement (IHCI), a vibrant and growing interdisciplinary research environment committed to delivering high-quality, impactful research that improves health and care outcomes.

The Institute works in partnership with local, regional and national organisations across health, care and the voluntary sector, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, co-production and real-world impact.

The role

We are seeking to appoint a Health Services Research Fellow (14.8 hours per week) to contribute to the development of high-quality, impactful applied health research within the Institute.

The post is offered on a two-year fixed-term basis, with any extension subject to the successful securing of additional external funding.

We are looking for an ambitious researcher with a strong and developing track record in applied health research, alongside substantial previous professional experience working as an allied health professional, nurse or midwife.

The successful candidate will have a PhD or professional doctorate and be able to demonstrate a track record of research activity, with clear potential to develop their research leadership, secure external funding and deliver meaningful impact on health and care.

You will have dedicated time to advance your own programme of applied health research, building on your professional expertise and existing research achievements. Working collaboratively with colleagues and external partners, you will contribute to the development and delivery of research projects, funding applications, publications and activities that support improvements in health and care.

As part of the application process, applicants will be asked to submit a brief research proposal (maximum two pages) outlining:

• Their proposed programme of applied health research during the fellowship, including anticipated activities and outputs.
• How the proposed research builds on their existing expertise and achievements, and contributes to their longer-term research ambitions.
• Opportunities to develop collaborations, generate impact and secure external research funding.

Proposals should demonstrate a clear and feasible programme of work appropriate to the duration and part-time nature of the fellowship.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality, impactful applied health research.
• Develop and lead research projects and collaborations, drawing on clinical expertise and experience.
• Prepare and contribute to external research funding applications.
• Produce high-quality research outputs, including peer-reviewed publications, reports and conference presentations.
• Build productive relationships with health and care organisations, practitioners, patients and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to the wider research culture of the Institute, including supporting and mentoring other researchers where appropriate.
• Ensure research is conducted in accordance with relevant ethical, governance and regulatory requirements.

About you

You will have:

• A PhD or professional doctorate in a relevant health-related discipline.
• Substantial previous professional experience working as an allied health professional, nurse or midwife.
• A strong and developing track record in applied health research, demonstrated through high-quality research outputs, collaborations and other relevant achievements.
• Experience of developing and delivering research projects, with evidence of research leadership or clear potential to progress towards greater independence.
• Strong knowledge of relevant research methodologies and their application to real-world health and care challenges.
• Experience of contributing to external research funding applications, with the ability to develop competitive proposals and attract research funding.
• Experience of supporting the research development of others, including postgraduate researchers or less experienced colleagues.
• Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills, and a commitment to collaborative working.

Current or previous registration with the HCPC, NMC or an equivalent professional regulatory body would be advantageous.

We welcome applications from researchers at different stages of their careers who can demonstrate the experience, achievements and potential to make a significant contribution to the Institute's research ambitions.

Additional information

This fellowship offers an opportunity to advance your research career within a supportive and collaborative academic environment, with dedicated time to develop your research programme, strengthen your publication record and build towards external research funding.

Unfortunately this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship however we welcome your application if you are able to evidence right to work in the UK via an alternative route.

It is anticipated that the selection process will include an interview and presentation. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Garry Tew at g.tew@yorksj.ac.uk.

To learn more about the Institute for Health and Care Improvement, please visit: https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/research/institute-for-health-and-care-improvement/