Research Fellow

University of the West of Scotland – School of Health & Life Sciences

Paisley Campus

Part time: 17.5 hours per week

Fixed term: 1 year

The School of Health and Life Sciences within the University of West of Scotland are seeking a Research Fellow as part of the Working with Dementia Network Plus funded by ESRC, NIHR and the Alzheimer’s Society, led by Professor Louise Ritchie.

The aim of Working with Dementia Network Plus is to create a transdisciplinary research network that will enhance experiences of work for people living with dementia, and those caring for someone with dementia. The postholder will undertake a project using Nominal Group Technique to engage with stakeholders and people with lived experience to help us to collaboratively shape the research agenda and future initiatives for the Network. The successful applicant will work under the supervision of Dr Eileen Harkess Murphy and will be a key member of the Network team that includes academics from the School of Health and Life Sciences and the School of Education and Social Science in UWS and Northumbria, Warwick, Lancaster and Edinburgh Napier Universities.

Applicants should be aware that this role is fully funded externally so is offered as fixed term for 1 year

The successful candidate should have the following:

• 1st degree in relevant subject (social sciences, social work, career guidance and development, management, psychology, nursing and allied health professions.)
• PhD qualification (or near submission) in relevant subject
• Experience of working with people living with dementia and their families
• A working knowledge of research project management and report writing
• Previous exposure in qualitative research methods and analysis
• Highly developed communication skills with the ability to communicate using a variety of mediums to different public, professional and policy audiences.

About us

University of the West of Scotland is one of Scotland’s largest and most dynamic modern universities. Our reach across the country, together with our London campus, means that UWS is a significant force in global knowledge creation, innovation, and a leading provider of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree education. Our degrees provide students with a transformational experience; equipping them with highly sought-after graduate skills that set them up for global success in world-leading sectors, industries and businesses.

With cutting-edge courses, modern pedagogy and practical knowledge, we enable our students and staff to experience the joy of learning, teaching, research and innovation, and apply their knowledge for the benefit of others. 

UWS is officially ranked by Times Higher Education in the top 200 universities worldwide under 50 years old (2023 Young University Rankings).

The School of Health & Life Sciences at UWS offers innovative teaching and research opportunities, firmly focused on the real-world challenges facing the healthcare and life sciences sectors. You will join a supportive and committed team, where you will play a key role in continuing to establish the University as a force for good. Our students benefit from studying in modern learning facilities – among the very best in the country – and the strong links we have with partner organisations across the private, public and third sectors.

UWS is fully committed to the UK Concordat to support the Career Development of Researchers which sets out clear standards that research staff can expect from the University. It aims to improve the employment and support for research careers in the UK and provides a framework for career development based around the Concordat principles.

We offer our staff a caring and supportive environment, across five campuses, and a competitive benefits package which includes:

• 35 days of annual leave, plus a further 12 days for public/university holidays
• An additional days leave on your birthday
• Defined benefit contribution pension scheme (currently 19.3%), including death in service benefits upon joining the scheme
• A flexible approach to working pattern and work-life balance
• Employee discount scheme across 3,500 retailers
• Fitness facilities across our campuses
• Access to a range of health and wellbeing resources, including occupational health, physiotherapy and access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional, career and research development opportunities.

Closing Date: Monday 17^th March 2025

Interview Date: Friday 28^th March 2025

The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.

You can find out more about how the University uses your personal data as part of the recruitment process by looking at the UWS HR Applicant Privacy Notice at www.uws.ac.uk

UWS is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.

UWS is a “Disability Confident” employer.

University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity, no. SC002520.