Research Fellow

Part Time Fixed Term 0.4 FTE (until 31st March 2026)

We are seeking a part-time Research Fellow to support the NIHR ARC Wessex project entitled Understanding barriers and enablers of using the Living with Long Term Conditions scale as part of routine care for people from under-served groups living with type 2 diabetes until 31^st March 2026. It is an exciting opportunity to be involved in interdisciplinary research seeking to implement an innovative tool to enhance the daily living of people with diabetes type 2 (T2D).

The Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) Wessex is an organisation funded by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) with a remit to support applied health and care research that responds to, and meets, the needs of local populations and local health and care systems. The NIHR ARC Wessex is one of 15 ARCs across England, which aims to improve the health and care of patients and the public within and beyond the Wessex region. 

Our ARC conducts applied health research to improve patient outcomes; quality, delivery and efficiency of health and care services; increase the sustainability of health and care systems through collaborative partnership. We have a close relationship with regional stakeholders, including NHS organisations, universities, charities, local authorities and others.

Through this project we are looking to test the adoption and use of the scale in primary care for people living with T2D and particularly for those living in deprived areas across Hampshire. Through this proposed project we would like to explore barriers, enablers and contextual factors influencing feasible use of the Living with Long Term Conditions (LwLTCs) scale as well as create partnerships and networks for future implementation of the scale, involving stakeholders form HIOW primary care networks across urban/semi-rural/rural geographical areas.

The successful candidate will work with the team to achieve the objectives and be responsible for the day-to-day study management and delivery regarding ethical approval, data collection and analysis, which will require thematic analysis. For example, you will conduct interviews with T2D patients within Hampshire across urban/semi-rural/rural geographical areas. You will also conduct interviews with diabetes-related healthcare professionals (e.g., GPs, diabetic nurses, dietician, podiatrists, advanced clinical practitioners). You will be part of an interdisciplinary team across the ARC Wessex Long Term Conditions Theme, and the School of Health Sciences who will work and collaborate closely with stakeholders from primary care practices in the region.

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

Education & skills required:

• PhD or equivalent professional qualifications and experience in management of Long Term Conditions.
• Significant experience with qualitative research methodology and particularly, conducting semi-structured interviews and analysing them using thematic analysis.
• Experience applying for University’s and NHS ethical approval for research purposes.
• Track record of published research.

Salary and relevant information:

This is a part time post (0.4% FTE) based at NIHR ARC Wessex, University of Southampton.

The employing organisation is the University of Southampton, which offers a competitive salary, pension scheme and other benefits.

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