Research Fellow

University of Southampton - School of Health Sciences

Location: Southampton, Hybrid

Salary: £36,130 to £44,128 per annum

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 29th July 2025

Closes: 26th August 2025

Job Ref: 3173925CF

The School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, invites applications for an exciting research position within the Extreme Temperature and Health OutcomeS (ETHOS) project. This Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) project, led by Professor Justin Sheffield, aims to transform understanding of temperature-health relationships in vulnerable populations and identify evidence-based risk reduction strategies for current and future climates.

This position contributes to a critical work package examining: how temperature extremes are experienced within daily life contexts; individual, social, and environmental factors influencing these experiences; community perspectives on acceptable and feasible risk reduction strategies; and how such strategies should be tailored to vulnerable communities.

The role employs qualitative methodologies, including semi-structured interviews and focus groups. You will collaborate with patient and public contributors, charitable organizations, and multidisciplinary research teams across Southampton and partner institutions. Data collection will involve travel throughout Southampton.

About you: Applications will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given. You will have strong qualitative research experience with demonstrated understanding of health, social care, or closely related fields. Essential attributes for the role are the ability to plan and organise work independently and collaboratively; have excellent written English, and communication skills; with excellent problem-solving skills.

What we can offer you: The University of Southampton provides a world-class research environment, with REF 2021 demonstrating that 92% of our research is world-leading or internationally excellent. We rank in the top 10% of UK universities and 4th in the Russell Group for research impact, with >97% of our research environment rated world-leading or internationally excellent. The School of Health Sciences ranks among the top three UK institutions for overall research quality. We will help you find a good work-life balance with flexible working hours, hybrid working options, holiday allowance, and additional university closure days. Part-time appointments considered on a pro-rata basis. You will have access to mentoring, career development and networking across the University and beyond. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr Dawn-Marie Walker (School of Health Sciences) within the Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, with additional support from work package team members. You will join a supportive research community comprising Research Fellows and Faculty members across Southampton and partner institutions.

For additional information or informal enquiries please email Dr Dawn-Marie Walker (Dawn-Marie.Walker@soton.ac.uk)