Qualitative Research Associate

The Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) East Midlands are looking to recruit a talented, motivated individual to join a vibrant, multi-disciplinary, successful research team. You will contribute to a programme of work which aims to address health inequalities and improve health outcomes in people with multiple long-term conditions (MLTC) as part of the Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) East Midlands. In particular you will support one of two research projects: one funded by the Medical Research Council, which is qualitatively exploring perceptions of distrust and co-producing a national guidance for addressing distrust among ethnic minority groups; and the other funded by an NIHR Research for Patient Benefit grant, evaluating the impact of ethnicity and other socio-demographic characteristics on symptom perception, healthcare access and healthcare experience, especially for a common symptom of breathlessness.

We welcome applications from individuals with various backgrounds/expertise relevant to the topic area, especially with previous experience in qualitative research methods, and enthusiasm for the topic, along with the ability and willingness to both learn and synthesise evidence and work with colleagues from various subject areas.

The appointed individual will be based at ARC East Midlands and work closely with Dr Riya Patel (Research Fellow in Ethnicity and Health, Co-PI for the MRC project, and co-I for RfPB grant) and/or Dr Anvesha Singh (Associate Professor in Cardiology and PI for the RfPB grant). The post-holder will lead on the delivery of qualitative research with the support from the wider research team. They will work collaboratively and independently as part of a research team to achieve defined milestones and produce high quality research as part of a wider project.

This post provides an excellent opportunity for an ambitious researcher to work with an experienced multi-disciplinary team and contribute to our ongoing research, alongside advancing their independent research career.

About You

As a Research Associate, you will have a PhD (or near completion) in a relevant discipline alongside evidence of contributing independently to peer-reviewed journal publications. You will have strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, and excellent written and oral communication skills, with some experience working with ethnic minority groups exploring sensitive topics.

You will have background expertise and experience in qualitative research methods (ideally a range of experience in different qualitative methodologies). You must also have the demonstrable ability and willingness to learn new techniques and methods within a range of subject areas. Please see the job summary form accompanying this advert for further information on the role.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Dr Riya Patel on [email protected]

Applications for job share will be considered.

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.