"Research Associate*/Research Assistant in Health Services Research [Maternity Cover] (Fixed Term)"

The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute (THIS Institute) seeks a talented early career researcher to support an exciting programme of work on innovation and improvement in healthcare. The successful candidate will initially work on projects using online participatory communities to co-design and evaluate innovations to improve care, including new technologies and service changes (for example, aimed at reducing delays between diagnosis and treatment).

You will be educated to Masters or PhD level and will have a strong background in qualitative research or mixed methods research relevant to the study of healthcare improvement and innovation. You will have the ability to read, critique and synthesise relevant literature, to plan and conduct primary research to a high standard, and to engage with many stakeholders and collaborators in co-design, while working at pace. You will be capable of preparing research protocols, project reports and manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals and will have strong skills in teamwork.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD (or equivalent experience), including those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD. Where a PhD has yet to be awarded appointment will initially be made at research assistant and amended to research associate when the PhD is awarded (PhD needs to be awarded within 6 months of the start date). If an individual has not submitted a PhD or is not working towards one they could be appointed as a Research Assistant if they have either a degree (and/or Master's) in a relevant area or equivalent experience.

This post is fixed term for one year or the return of the post holder, whichever is the earlier. This is a full-time position, but we welcome applications of no less than 0.8 FTE per week. The post will be based at Strangeways Research Laboratory, Worts Causeway, Cambridge CB1 8RN (approximately 2.5 miles south of the city centre).

Informal inquiries may be directed to Director@thisinstitute.cam.ac.uk. Please ensure that you upload: A covering letter explaining the reasons for your application and how your knowledge, skills and experience match the requirements of the role. A curriculum vitae (CV), to include full details of educational qualifications and academic experience, and a list of publications and funding where appropriate. A recent dated sole-authored writing sample of around 1000-2000 words, which may be an extract from a longer piece. You must confirm in your covering letter that the sample has been written solely by you, has not been edited or copy-edited by anyone else, and has been written entirely without the use of AI. Details of 3 referees, including e-mail address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Closing date: 18th November 2025. Interview date: 27th November 2025.