Research Associate / Senior Research Associate in Mixed Methods Public Health Research

The role

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious and able health or social researcher with an interest in public health to work within a leading population health sciences department. The post will support Professor Judi Kidger to conduct research for her NIHR-funded Population Health Career Scientist Award. The overall aim of the programme is to take a systems approach to preventing or reducing mental health problems among at-risk young people and supporting more resilient transitions into adulthood. The post-holder will be based within Bristol Medical School’s thriving Centre for Public Health.

The post is available at either Research Associate (RA) or Senior Research Associate (SRA) level, for 0.6fte, which is three days a week. It is a parental leave cover position, and is fixed-term for 9-12 months depending on the date of return of the current postholder.

Hybrid working is available: there is flexibility, but generally on campus Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The interview for this role is scheduled for 17th July 2026.

What will you be doing?

The successful applicant will undertake mixed methods research and related administration. This will include supporting the organisation and delivery of systems workshops with adults and young people, analysing data to create systems maps, conducting involvement and engagement activities with young people, building relationships with relevant systems stakeholders, scoping literature, exploring available routine data, contributing to outputs such as policy briefings and journal articles, preparing data collection materials and undertaking ethics applications. The post-holder will be encouraged to present the work internally and externally, and to attend relevant events, training and conferences. Those applying at SRA level will be expected to take day to day responsibility for delivering the work and producing outputs.

You should apply if

You should have experience of mixed methods research and a demonstrable understanding of and interest in applied public health research and young people’s mental health in particular. You must have a relevant undergraduate degree (2.1 or above). Those applying at RA level must additionally have a Master’s degree (merit or distinction) or be on track to complete by September 2026, and those applying at SRA level must have a PhD (or near completion) in a relevant subject or equivalent academic experience with a relevant Master’s degree. Additional necessary experience/expertise includes knowledge of research governance, excellent organisation and time management skills, ability to write to a high standard for different audiences and effective communication skills with colleagues, external stakeholders and the public, including younger people. Those applying at SRA level must have a record of peer-reviewed publications commensurate with career to date. You must be able to work flexibly as the role requires and be able to travel occasionally, possibly with overnight stays.