Research Fellow LifeLab

About the role

We are seeking a talented and motivated Research Fellow to join our dynamic LifeLab team. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and drive forward our research agenda while demonstrating the impact of the LifeLab programme.

A specific focus will be evaluating the young researcher training programme (YRTP), exploring its potential long-term impacts on young people's lives and development. This multi-disciplinary position spans youth work, education, enrichment activities, and public health research. 

This post will be based at LifeLab at the University Hospital Southampton, hybrid working is possible, with additional opportunities for working at Southampton Science Park.

About LifeLab

The LifeLab programme's mission is to engage with children and young people, supporting them in understanding the science behind health messages. We aim to help young people consider how their current lifestyle choices impact their health now, in their future, and potentially for their future children.

Key responsibilities

• Engage in the full research cycle: developing theories of change and logic models, determining outcome measures, securing ethics approval, collecting and analysing data
• Evaluate the young researcher training programme, assessing its impacts and effectiveness
• Disseminate findings through peer-reviewed papers and policy briefs, as well as to young people and wider community stakeholders
• Develop methodologies to demonstrate programme impact both academically and for securing sustainable funding
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across the university and external partners including education-focused leaders, local authorities, and non-governmental organisations

Required skills

• Demonstrable expertise in qualitative research methods, including experience with NVivo or other thematic analysis approaches
• Proficiency in quantitative research methods, including statistical analysis using packages such as SPSS or STATA
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences including young people, academic peers, and stakeholders
• Capacity for independent working while contributing positively to team objectives
• Genuine interest in young people, health, and education

Please note this position requires an enhanced DBS clearance.

About our team

We are a dedicated and committed team looking for an enthusiastic and well-motivated team player to join us. The successful candidate will be passionate about improving young people's health outcomes through education and research.

For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit, please contact Dr Kathryn Woods-Townsend on 023 8020 8979 or email k.woods-townsend@soton.ac.uk 

The Faculty of Medicine holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award demonstrating commitment to equal opportunities and gender balance in the workplace. The Faculty recognises that applicants may seek flexible working patterns which will be considered as part of the recruitment process. For further information including key benefits designed to help maintain and support employees' well-being and work-life balance, please see our working with us website pages.

The University is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and included and to creating an environment that attracts and retains the best talent, regardless of background. Please note that applications from agencies will not be accepted unless indicated in the job advert.

Interviews are expected to take in the week commencing 5th May.

Further details:

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.

Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.

You should submit your completed online application form by clicking the ‘Apply’ button above.

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Advert information