Research Fellow LG)

Researcher Opportunity: Shaping Digital Health for Young People

We are pleased to present an exciting and impactful research opportunity within the Primary Care Research Centre. This role offers a talented researcher the chance to significantly contribute to the process evaluation and implementation of a groundbreaking digital e-health intervention designed for young people experiencing acne, known as Acne Care Online.

This position is ideal for an individual passionate about advancing digital health solutions and improving the lives of young people. You will be working under the distinguished supervision of Professor Miriam Santer and Dr. Rosie Essery, fostering close collaboration with the dedicated Acne Care Online study team.

Key Advantages for Your Career Path:

• Direct Impact: Play a pivotal role in shaping the successful implementation of a digital intervention, directly benefiting young people.
• In-Depth Research Experience: Gain invaluable hands-on experience in process evaluation, qualitative methodologies, and public involvement within a dynamic research setting.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work alongside a diverse range of stakeholders, including young people, healthcare professionals, public partners, community organizations, and NHS commissioning bodies (e.g., Integrated Care Systems). This broad exposure will enhance your understanding of the health ecosystem.
• Specialized Skill Development: This role provides an excellent platform to deepen your knowledge and application of implementation science theories and frameworks, which are highly sought after in the health research field.
• Mentorship and Guidance: Benefit from the expertise and guidance of leading academics in primary care research, fostering your professional growth.
• Flexibility: While the post is offered up to full-time, we are open to considering a job share arrangement for the right candidates, promoting work-life balance.

Key Considerations for Prospective Candidates:

• Essential Experience: Successful applicants will possess demonstrable experience in disseminating and implementing behavior change interventions for self-managing health conditions. Experience contributing to the process evaluation of randomized controlled trials, including qualitative and public involvement methods, is also crucial.
• Theoretical Foundation: While not strictly mandatory, having knowledge of theories and frameworks relevant to implementation science (such as Normalisation Process Theory or CFIR) will be a significant asset. This indicates a strong grasp of the principles underpinning successful intervention rollout.
• Academic Background: A relevant PhD is the typical route for this level of expertise. However, extensive research experience, normally supported by a relevant postgraduate degree (e.g., MSc in Health Psychology, Digital Health, or Computer Science), will also be considered.
• Autonomy and Precision: The role requires individuals who can work independently and efficiently within a research environment. Excellent written English skills and meticulous attention to detail are paramount for data collation, analysis, and reporting.
• Project Scope: The role is fixed-term for 12 months in the first instance, with the potential for extension, commencing in January 2026. This offers a focused period to make a substantial contribution.

This is a unique opportunity to advance your career in health research, contributing to a vital project that promises to make a real difference in the lives of young people. If you are a motivated and experienced researcher looking to expand your horizons and impact, we encourage you to explore this exciting prospect further.