Research Associate

Vacancy terms: Full time or job share, fixed term until 30 October 2027

About the role

We are looking for a talented and motivated Research Associate to join the University of Leicester’s Centre for Healthcare Innovation, Policy and Management within the School of Business. You will take responsibility for the design, organisation and delivery of a systematic review exploring the organisational and behavioural enablers of multidisciplinary health systems leadership. Working with Professor Gregory Maniatopoulos and the wider research team, you will develop the review protocol and search strategies, lead literature identification and screening, undertake data collection, analysis and critical appraisal, and synthesise the resulting evidence into high-quality research outputs.

The Centre provides an interdisciplinary research environment bringing together academics, doctoral researchers and professionals working across healthcare innovation, public policy and implementation. Its research seeks to strengthen the evidence base for improving health and care services, working with regional, national and international partners. In this role, you will work both independently and collaboratively to achieve project milestones, prepare academic papers and research reports, disseminate findings at regional and national events, and contribute to future research and funding opportunities relating to health systems leadership.

About you

You will have a PhD in health services research, sociology, health psychology or a related discipline, together with significant experience of systematic reviews and evidence synthesis. You will have demonstrated knowledge of systematic review methodology, including protocol development, search strategies, screening, data extraction, quality appraisal and evidence synthesis, alongside experience of qualitative and quantitative data analysis. You will also bring knowledge and understanding of health systems, healthcare organisations or systems leadership, and experience of managing research projects and preparing applied health and care research for publication.

You will be a strong analytical and critical thinker who can synthesise complex evidence rigorously and work with a high degree of autonomy while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary research team. Excellent written and verbal communication, organisational and project management skills will enable you to manage competing priorities, meet agreed milestones and communicate complex findings clearly to academic, professional and non-academic audiences. Knowledge of multidisciplinary working or organisational and behavioural approaches to healthcare, experience with systematic review and reference management software, and experience working with healthcare professionals, policymakers or other relevant stakeholders would be advantageous.