Overview
More than 13,000 people in Lancashire and South Cumbria have been diagnosed with a severe mental illness, while Blackpool has the highest rate of deaths linked to addiction and suicide in England. In conjunction with partners at the University of Manchester and King’s College London, the group will identify local needs and priorities for mental health research and work alongside residents to develop a more proactive, preventative model of care.
Four initial research themes aim to tackle inequities in access to effective mental health interventions, particularly for those experiencing multiple disadvantages and/or complex mental health issues, who are often excluded from mainstream services. A robust knowledge mobilisation infrastructure will be implemented to ensure that research translates rapidly into significant improvements in health and social care. The voices of diverse individuals with lived experience are central to all aspects of the research programme.
Responsibilities
The Administrator will be responsible for carrying out a wide range of general administrative duties, including scheduling and servicing meetings, coordinating travel arrangements, processing expense claims, and supporting with the production of project reports. This role will involve liaising with colleagues at Lancaster University, as well as MHRG team members based at partner universities, NHS Trusts and third sector organisations; therefore, we require an individual with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
The successful candidate will also have good IT and organisational skills, with the ability to manage their own time and workload with minimal supervision. Experience in organising events and assisting with web and social media marketing activities would be an advantage but is not essential as appropriate support and training will be provided.
Location & Working Conditions
The post will be based in the Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research at Lancaster University (Health Innovation Campus) and may involve occasional travel within the UK.
The team and the Division of Health Research provide a friendly environment that strongly supports the individual needs of each employee and actively promotes a healthy work‑life balance. The Faculty is committed to family‑friendly and flexible working policies and has held a Silver Athena SWAN award since 2014 in recognition of its good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education and research.
Contract & Funding
The post is available to start July 2026 and we will consider flexible working arrangements including condensed hours, days or hours worked and flexible start and finish times, according to the business needs of the project. You will join Lancaster University on an indefinite contract; however, the role remains contingent on external funding, which at this time is due to end on 30th June 2031.
Immigration & Visa
Applicants wishing to consider the Skilled Worker Route should ensure they meet the points requirement before applying. Further information can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website.
About the Programme
The Division of Health Research, within Lancaster University’s Faculty of Health and Medicine, is seeking a dedicated Administrator to support the Project Manager and programme leads in managing the new Mental Health Research Group (MHRG). The MHRG is a five‑year initiative funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, who have recently awarded Lancaster University almost £11 million to conduct world‑class mental health research in the North West region.
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