Research Assistant/Associate Health Inequalities 2025

Applications are invited for a talented and ambitious Research Assistant/Research Associate to work within the Health Inequalities theme of the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) covering the North East and North Cumbria.

The Role

The post holder will be expected to contribute to a range of ongoing projects focusing on social justice and marginalised populations as well as develop their own portfolio in this area.

You will have (or submitted) a doctorate in a relevant topic and hold experience in qualitative research within social work and/or criminology and health inequalities.

Required skills will include: the development of research studies and analysis plans; qualitative data collection and analysis; the ability to publish work in a range of formats and to a range of audiences including in high quality peer reviewed journals; and a willingness to work with research partners across multiple universities and engage with public and practice partners from across various agencies.

One full time post is available until 31 March 2026.

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles. These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Key Accountabilities

• Although working under the general guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator, the postholder will contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of their studies, thus providing substantial 'added value'
• Carry out high quality applied health research within agreed timelines, meeting project milestones and to an appropriate standard
• Contribute to study design and collect, organise and analyse data relating to various projects focused on social justice and marginalised communities
• Ensure that research activity and any data collection is consistent with current research governance instructions and Data Protection legislation
• Attend meetings and other events appropriate to the applied research collaboration and its programmes of work
• Prepare papers for publication in high quality peer reviewed journals, and disseminate findings at conferences as required
• Identify and undertake a programme of professional development, including further training in research methods and other transferable skills
• To contribute to the activities of the Applied Research Collaboration, to Fuse and to other relevant research infrastructures regionally and nationally
• Work with relevant stakeholders including members of the public to ensure research is relevant to their needs
• Carry out administrative tasks and other duties to support the ARC as required by the Inequalities lead or the ARC NENC Director
• Undertake teaching related to health inequalities and/or methods expertise
• Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and in time develop own research objectives and proposals for funding
• May be involved in the supervision, with guidance, of final year undergraduate research projects and in providing support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants
• Will need to work with the support staff and, on occasions, with undergraduate and postgraduate students, and interact intellectually with other academic members of the Institute
• May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities
• Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience of conducting high quality qualitative research in the field of social justice, social work, social care or criminology with vulnerable populations
• Experience of qualitative data collection and analysis
• Ability to work independently and as part of the research project team
• Ability to carry out research project work within agreed timelines, meeting project milestones and producing research to an appropriate standard
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect research/personal data according to protocols and principles of good research practice
• Ability to work in teams, across disciplines
• Evidence of potential to publish in high quality peer reviewed journals
• Ability to present findings at leading health, public health and social science conferences
• Ability to develop own programme of work and apply for funding (e.g fellowships)

Desirable

• Experience of work within a context of Public Involvement and Public Engagement (PPI/E)
• Experience of co-production approaches and/or creative methods
• Experience of preparing research proposals for submission to competitive funding organisations (e.g. NIHR, research councils)
• Teaching experience at undergraduate and postgraduate level in an academic setting

Attributes and Behaviour

• Ability to prioritise key tasks
• Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work flexibly and cooperatively with others

Qualifications

• A PhD awarded in a relevant subject (e.g. social work, criminology, sociology or a related field) to be appointed at Associate level
• A Master’s degree or equivalent qualification to be appointed to Assistant level

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.