Exciting and unique opportunity with the Institute of Health Visiting on a National NIHR research study.
We are seeking an ambitious, enthusiastic Research Associate (RA) with experience in public health research to join the Institute of Health Visiting (iHV) for a fixed-term period of 12 months to support the delivery of the NIHR PHR study titled: ‘A mixed methods realist evaluation of the MECSH parenting intervention investigating inequalities in access, engagement, retention and outcomes for Black and Asian birthing and non-birthing parents in England.’
The post is available from February 2026 initially for a year but with a view to extending to cover the full 36 months of the study.
The postholder will work as part of a team alongside Dr Sharin Baldwin, who is Senior Health Visitor Research Lead at the iHV and Principal Investigator for the study.
The individual would need to be dynamic, proactive, flexible, have the ability to work independently and must be prepared to travel across the study sites, as necessary. They will be required to contribute to all elements of the research, this will include: helping to conduct literature reviews and evidence syntheses; supporting the development of study protocols and materials (e.g. interview topic guides and questionnaires); managing applications for ethical approvals; helping to deliver the training intervention; conducting data collection and analysis; contributing to research write up. Given the mixed-methods nature of the planned research, this post would suit someone with strong and demonstrable qualitative and quantitative research skills.
Key Requirements
Applicants should have a relevant master’s in a health or social science, and it is desirable to have completed or near-completed a PhD in Health Sciences/ Psychology/ Public Health related discipline.
The successful candidate must have: experience of collecting and analysing qualitative and quantitative data. Excellent interpersonal skills, willingness and ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a team remotely and in person, in-depth knowledge of research design and methods relevant to applied health research, the potential to publish in high-quality journals, and excellent oral and written communication skills are essential.
This role does not meet the eligibility requirements for a tier 2 certificate of sponsorship under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, the iHV will not be able to sponsor individuals who require the right to work in the UK to carry out this role.
To Apply:
Please complete the application form and send this together with your current CV to [email protected]
Closing date: 9 January 2026, but the application may close early. Candidates are recommended to apply as soon as possible.
Interviews: 19 January 2026 (online)
