Research Fellow in Health Services Research

Fixed-term - 18 months

We wish to appoint an experienced researcher to work on a pioneering new project funded by the Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes (BLMK) Integrated Care System Research and Innovation Hub.

The pandemic has put a considerable strain on the NHS and impacted how the public access health services.  Like many organisations, general practices have needed to adapt quickly and respond to new ways of working, e.g., offering video and telephone consultations. Some people have embraced these new ways of accessing GP services, allowing them to save time and get the help they need quickly. But for others, it’s been more difficult, time-consuming and frustrating to access support when needed.  There has been some concern that changing to remote consultations may exacerbate existing health inequalities, particularly among the most vulnerable in society.    This research will seek to understand patients’ experiences of accessing and engaging with multi-modal primary care among older, minority ethnic, and socio-economic communities across Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes (BLMK).

The successful candidate will have a PhD or Master’s in a health-related topic and an interest in health services research. They should possess strong qualitative skills and an understanding of healthcare research and evaluation methods with underserved populations.   

The post holder will be expected to manage the project's day-to-day operations and lead the qualitative fieldwork, including designing research instruments to generate data to meet the research objectives. Therefore, experience in qualitative fieldwork and analysis is essential.  The post holder will also need to build and maintain effective working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including colleagues, relevant public sector organisations, and professional membership bodies, and share information at formal public events and through informal and formal networks.  Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills will be essential.

The successful candidate will be joining the Institute for Health Research, which is an international centre for research excellence; 100% of our research is “internationally excellent” in impact, and 73% of our research outputs are 3* or 4* - “internationally excellent or world-leading” - Research Excellence Framework 2014.

For informal enquiries, contact:

Dr Erica Cook, Associate Professor, Uob, erica.cook@beds.ac.uk 

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented socioeconomic groups, and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. In line with our dedication to diversity, we are working towards the Race Equality Charter, are a Stonewall Diversity Champion, and participate in the Disability Confident Scheme, while offering a range of employee benefits such as flexible working, fitness classes, and professional development.

Interviews will be held on 20th January 2025

For the full Job Description and person specification, please click here

The University ensures all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK and is committed to equality and valuing diversity in its workforce and student population.

To apply:

Please log on to our website www.beds.ac.uk/jobs and complete the online application.

Please quote the reference number and job title and note that CVs will only be accepted with a completed application form. 

All applications must be submitted by midnight on the closing date.

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