Research Fellow - Social Scientist

Full-time (35 hours per week)

Fixed Term: Available now until 31^st January 2028

Location: Usher Building, BioQuarter, Edinburgh, EH16 4UX

We will consider requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular (weekly) on-campus working. The Usher Institute expects a minimum of 40%* on campus working.

The Centre for Medical Informatics at the Usher Institute within The University of Edinburgh is looking for a Qualitative Research Fellow / Social Scientist.

The Opportunity:

This post offers the opportunity to work on an exciting new global collaborative initiative using wearable sensors and data driven research approaches to improve maternal and foetal outcomes during labour. You will join a collaborative research project entitled, ‘Intelligent Pregnancy Products Platform; I3P’.  You will work in a vibrant research environment collaborating with international stakeholders and industry partners to help develop and evaluate novel techniques and technologies which aim to monitor maternal and foetal vital signs during labour for the early detection of complications such as obstructed labour and post-partum haemorrhage. This body of work has the potential to reduce maternal and foetal complications on a global scale. The post holder will undertake systematic theory- and evidence-based longitudinal qualitative research to understand stakeholder needs, identify and investigate emergent sociotechnical impacts, and help to develop innovations that are most likely to be adopted and bring benefits to healthcare settings and patients.

Informal enquiries may be directed to Dr Rosemary Townsend, Senior Research Fellow (rtownse2@exseed.ed.ac.uk) or Catherine Shaw, Senior Lecturer & Programme Manager (catherine.shaw@ed.ac.uk)

Your skills and attributes for success:

• A master’s degree in a relevant area
• PhD or equivalent experience in a broad area of Digital Health or related social science field
• Familiarity with healthcare settings and/or knowledge of health service organisations in the UK/internationally
• Experience in qualitative data collection and analysis (including application of relevant theories and frameworks)
• Ability to work well within a multi-disciplinary team

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