ARC Postdoctoral Research in Community, Home and Social Care

We are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher in applied health and social care research, to be part of the Community, Home and Social Care research theme led by Dr Caroline Potter within the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Thames Valley (ARC TV).

Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs), funded by the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR), are partnerships of academic researchers, health and care practitioners, public contributors, and integrated care system leaders. The aim of ARCs is to support applied research that responds to local health system needs and drives improvement in health and care practice. ARC TV has been funded for five years (2026-2031), providing stable infrastructure in which researchers can develop wide-ranging skills and experience in a supportive, collaborative environment.

This position is an exciting opportunity for researchers who want to have real-world impact on how home and community based support is provided within England’s social care ecosystem.

We are looking for someone who is motivated to improve the delivery of evidence-informed care, particularly in sectors with historically low levels of research activity. You will develop research projects within defined priority areas, working in partnership with diverse stakeholders including people with lived experience of care and support, local government, voluntary sector organisations, and the NHS Thames Valley Integrated Care Board. Within each priority area we will identify and evaluate interventions and care models that help people to live healthy, meaningful lives. We will also support spread of interventions / models that work well into new settings, scaling up the most promising interventions at regional and national level.

The successful applicant will undertake high-quality mixed methods research under the supervision of the Theme Lead, support public involvement and research inclusion activity, contribute ideas for new research projects, and collaborate with colleagues across ARC TV and partner organisations. You will have (or be close to completion of) a PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. social sciences, medical humanities, health sciences, social policy), and knowledge of the community, home and social care landscape in England. Strong analytical skills (including qualitative methods), ability to work within an interdisciplinary team, and excellent communication skills for diverse audiences are essential attributes.

You will be based in the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Radcliffe Primary Care Building, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG as your normal place of work, but may be able to agree a pattern of regular remote working with your line manager. You will occasionally be required to attend events or meetings on non-university premises, for example through public engagement activities or meetings with partner organisations.

The position is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), through the Applied Research Collaborations. The post is fixed term for 4 years, or until 31 August 2030, whichever is soonest.