Qualitative researcher - improving the capability and sustainability of the healthcare workforce

Based in the Faculty of Health, the Peninsula Medical School is committed to three core aims: outstanding clinical education; strong social engagement; and world-class research which all feature strongly in the student learning experience. A key strength is a close relationship with NHS partners, with early clinical contact for all students. The South West offers healthcare and learning opportunities of exceptional quality; Derriford is one of Europe’s largest hospitals and the only trauma centre in Devon and Cornwall. A further strength is our scholarly approach to education, supported by the Division of Education Scholarship. The Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research is the core of research activity, providing a thriving community that conducts adventurous world-leading research with the explicit purpose of improving the health and care of the populations we serve.

The Faculty of Health at the University of Plymouth delivers exceptional clinical and academic learning, social engagement and world class research in medicine, dentistry, nursing, psychology and the health professions. This is an exciting chance to be part of a progressive and cutting-edge University in a beautiful location, where you can really make a difference.

The Peninsula Medical and Dental schools working with the CAMERA research group wish to appoint a Senior Research Fellow with expertise in qualitative research methods for a fixed term of 10 months as a maternity cover. You will help to lead research projects already underway and to collaborate with other members of the research teams to find and develop new research grant applications. CAMERA is a leading research group in the UK conducting research into the creation and retention of a sustainable healthcare workforce.

This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution to important research on; stress and wellbeing in doctors in the UK, the development of education interventions across the healthcare professions, the recruitment and retention of dentists in rural and coastal communities, womens’ health and oral health.

We are seeking a full-time Senior Research Fellow with relevant research expertise to lead the collection and analysis of data from interviews and focus groups, and to write-up findings for dissemination. The role will involve working collaboratively with colleagues in the CAMERA team, Peninsula Medical School, Peninsula Dental School and externally with funders such as the Association of Anaesthetists, Health Education England and the General Dental Council.

You will have a first degree in any relevant subject (e.g. social science, health or humanities subjects), and have a relevant PhD and knowledge of relevant research methods.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Professor Tom Gale thomas.gale@plymouth.ac.uk or Professor Sally Hanks Sally.hanks@plymouth.ac.uk

Interviews are likely to take place on 7 June 2023 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.

This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis for 10 months to cover a period of absence.

Flexible working options including part-time and job share will be considered.

We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.

Staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria.

You may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken.

Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

The Faculty of Health holds a Silver Athena Swan Award and the University holds a Bronze Athena SWAN Award which recognises commitment to advancing women’s careers in STEMM academia.

The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our three strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.

The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages

We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+