Research Associate

Duration:              Fixed Term (30 months)

Part Time:            0.8%WTE

 

Job Details

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious candidate who wants to further their research career at the interface of social sciences, housing, poverty, and palliative care. This post is funded through the ESRC Project: ‘There is no place like home: Exploring dying at home in urban poverty’.  The project is led by Dr Kate Woodthorpe, Department of Social and Policy Sciences, University of Bath. Professor Liz Walker and Professor Fliss Murtagh are jointly leading a workstream of the project at the University of Hull.

By 2040 home is expected to overtake hospitals to become the second most common setting for death in England and Wales. But, as the preferred place of death for most people evidence on the impact of housing on dying at home and the provision of domiciliary end of life care services is limited. This is particularly the case for those living in urban poverty who are more likely to experience smaller homes, overcrowding, poor living conditions, and precarious rental tenancies. This 30-month ESRC funded study will make distinctive interdisciplinary contributions to theory, policy, and practice from historical, social, clinical, and policy perspectives.  The study is designed around the following  work packages which will : (1) provide a detailed analysis on the history and evolution of policy on dying at home (2) identify the meaning of home and the role and impact of housing type and tenure on dying at home from the perspectives of patients, and  family members living in urban poverty and service providers (3)make recommendations for policy and practice, identifying potential for improvements in home-based end-of-life care services, health and social care commissioning and the management of housing in areas of poverty. The study will be undertaken across 3 towns and cities in England.

 

Using face-to-face interviews with people with advanced illness reaching the end of their live and their families, family members who have been bereaved and health and social care professionals who care for them. You will be an integral part of an interdisciplinary research project team contributing to all aspects of the study. The study includes leading academics from the University of Hull, Durham University, York University, Cardiff University and the University of Bath. 

 We are looking for a highly experienced, sensitised and confident qualitative researcher. 

Selection Criteria

A PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant disciplineExperience in project managementQualitative research experience including demonstrable ability to successfully recruit, consent study participants and collect and analyse data.An emerging track record in an appropriate research field (social sciences, social work, death studies, long-term conditions or palliative care), including scientific publications, presentations at scientific conferences and contributing to grant applicationsWorking independently in the research field.Engaging with a wide range of professional and academic stakeholders and working collaboratively across organisational boundariesExperience in patient and public involvement in research particularly in working with diverse ethnic and socially disadvantaged communitiesFormation of complex networks and collaborationsExperience of procedures for NHS ethical approvalsExperience of NHS R&D procedures

 

Knowledge of loss, death, and bereavement, poverty and health inequalities.High-level qualitative research skills specifically in face-to-face interviews.High-level qualitative analysis skills with attention to analytical rigourExcellent written and presentation communication skillsExcellent organisational skillsExcellent interpersonal skillsParticipation in networks that seek to promote research collaborationGood time management skills and ability to plan and implement objectives effectively.Experience in patient and public involvement in research particularly in working with diverse ethnic and socially disadvantaged communitiesFormation of complex networks and collaborationsExperience of procedures for NHS ethical approvalsExperience of NHS R&D proceduresKnowledge of approaches to developing an organisational research cultureDemonstrated facilitative and negotiating skillsIncludes any specific physical requirements of the post – (subject to the provisions of the Equality Act 2010)

 

To discuss this role informally please contact: Professor Liz Walker (email: e.walker@hull.ac.uk  or Professor Fliss Murtagh (email: fliss.murtagh@hyms.ac.uk).

Closing Date: 26 Jun 2025

Subject Group/Team: Researchers

Salary: £39,355 to £45,413 per annum pro rata Fixed Term - 30 Months