Research associate / research assistant (Fixed Term)

The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute (THIS Institute) seeks a talented early career researcher to support an exciting programme of work on innovation and improvement in healthcare. You will work closely with senior academics, clinicians, policymakers, and external partners to generate evidence that informs the design, organisation, delivery, and evaluation of healthcare services and programmes in the UK. You will be working initially on projects using online participatory communities to co-design and evaluate innovations to improve care, including both new technologies (e.g. AI) and service changes (e.g. neighbourhood health models).

You will be educated to PhD level and will have a strong social science methods training and strengths in qualitative or mixed-methods research, with excellent analytic skills. You will have a good working knowledge of the organisation and structure of the NHS. You will be able to work effectively with diverse collaborations and work at pace across a wide variety of topics and activities. Your oral and written communications skills must be very strong. You must be able to work collaboratively and manage competing priorities. You should provide evidence of potential for research and publication at the highest level.

Applications should include:

• A covering letter explaining the reasons for your application and how your knowledge, skills and experience match the requirements of the role.
• A curriculum vitae (CV), to include full details of educational qualifications and academic experience, and a list of publications and funding where appropriate.
• A recent dated sole-authored writing sample of around 1,000-2,000 words, which may be an extract from a longer piece. You must confirm in your covering letter that the sample has been written solely by you, has not been edited or copy-edited by anyone else, and has been written entirely without the use of AI.
• Details of three referees.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of their PhD. For appointment at Research Assistant level, applicants should have a Masters degree or equivalent experience.

The funds for this post are available until 31 December 2027 in the first instance.

The post will be based at Strangeways Research Laboratory, Worts Causeway, Cambridge CB1 8RN (approximately 2.5 miles south of the city centre).

Informal inquiries may be directed to Director@thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk.