Research Associate (Sponsorship)

## Review: Research Associate - Health Economics Focus on Local Government Sponsorship This opportunity within Lancaster University's Division of Health Research offers a compelling chance for a health economist to contribute to a timely and impactful research project. The role focuses on understanding the sponsorship activities of English Local Government and their potential implications for public health and the environment.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Meaningful Research: This project tackles a critical issue at the intersection of public health, sustainability, and local governance. You will be at the forefront of exploring how commercial sponsorship by local councils might affect community well-being and the planet, and contributing to the development of solutions.
• Health Economic Leadership: As the lead researcher for the health economic component, you will have significant autonomy in designing the economic evaluation plan. This includes engaging with stakeholders to define impact pathways and inform future economic assessments, offering a valuable opportunity to shape research methodology.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working within the Division of Health Research and on a multidisciplinary project team will expose you to diverse perspectives and foster collaborative learning. Experience in such environments is highly valued in research.
• Real-World Impact: The project's aim to develop strategies to mitigate potential harms from sponsorship deals provides a direct link between academic research and practical application within local government and public health initiatives.
• Flexible Working Environment: Lancaster University and the Division of Health Research are committed to supporting employee needs, offering flexible working arrangements and promoting a healthy work-life balance. This role is open to hybrid working.
• Career Development: The role involves significant responsibility for writing up research findings for publications and other dissemination avenues, which is crucial for career progression in research.
• Strong Institutional Support: The Division of Health Research is known for its friendly environment and support for individual employee needs. The Faculty of Health and Medicine holds a Silver Athena SWAN award, demonstrating a commitment to gender equality and good employment practices.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Project Duration: This is an 11-month project, contingent on external funding. While the contract is indefinite, the specific role is funded for this period. Candidates should be aware of this fixed-term nature of the immediate project work.
• Part-Time Commitment: The position is part-time at 0.50 FTE (18.25 hours per week). This offers flexibility but requires careful time management to meet project deadlines and research demands.
• Stakeholder Engagement: A core requirement is experience working with stakeholders outside of academia. Demonstrating your ability to build rapport and gather insights from diverse groups, including council staff and the public, will be essential.
• Health Economic Expertise: A degree in a health economics-related discipline and proven experience in economic evaluation methodology are essential qualifications. Candidates should be prepared to clearly articulate their expertise in these areas.
• Interest in Public Health and Sustainability: A genuine interest in public health and sustainability research will be beneficial for engaging with the project's broader goals and contributing to its success.
• Potential for Travel: While the role can be hybrid, some travel within the region may be required, so candidates should be comfortable with occasional local travel.

This Research Associate position presents an exciting opportunity for a motivated health economist to make a tangible contribution to an important public health and sustainability research agenda. The emphasis on stakeholder engagement, methodological design, and impactful dissemination makes it a valuable stepping stone for those looking to deepen their experience in applied health economics and public health research.