Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to participate in a project investigating continuity of care in general practice. This Welcome funded post is available This funded post is available on a fixed-term basis from June 2025 to November 2026 for an 18-month period.

The aim of this research project is to understand how relational continuity of care works in general practice for whom, and in what circumstances. Through a realist evaluation, we aim to understand the contextual factors and mechanisms that contribute to high levels of relational continuity in general practice and conceptualise how access to appointments is managed in those practices.

The successful applicant will work alongside a growing team focussing on primary care delivery and continuity of care. The post will include working with Dr Nada Khan, project principal investigator, to conduct ethnographic field work in general practice sites. Specifically, the duties of this researcher will be to:

• Conduct the ethnographic study fieldwork in four general practice sites across England, including informal discussions with practice staff and ‘walk-throughs’ of practice system.
• Collect relevant practice documentation and discuss their relevance with practice staff.
• Conduct realist interviews with members of the practice team.
• Work with the team on the data analysis, write up and dissemination of the project.
• Interact with the PPI and professional advisory group, and collate information from advisory group meetings to shape the research project analysis and interpretation.
• Help organise and attend the steering committee meetings.
• Help organise and attend the final knowledge exchange day.

The possibility of hybrid working could be discussed at interview.

About you
The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in realist methodology and healthcare and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required. Applicants will be able to work well within a multi-professional and multidisciplinary team.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification (available on the university's website, accessed by the 'Apply' button) for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research.
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly.
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development.
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career.
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy.
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon.

Further information
For further information please contact Dr Nada Khan e-mail n.khan@exeter.ac.uk.

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