Researcher – Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC)
Fixed Term, Full Time
£36,169 to £42,551 per annum
Location: Essex
Working Style: Anywhere worker
Closing Date: 23rd November 2025
This is a 12 month Fixed Term Opportunity
About Us
We want everyone who lives in Greater Essex to have the same opportunities to succeed in life. We are making progress towards this, but we still have a way to go. For too many communities low levels of education, limited economic opportunities and poor living conditions lead to disparities in mental and physical health and lower life‑expectancy. Those who are most vulnerable experience the greatest disadvantages. There is no easy solution. If we are to secure further progress, public service agencies will need to work together, taking decisions based on meaningful insight and high‑quality research.
About the Role
As a Researcher, join the team delivering the Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) Greater Essex – part of the emerging network of research centres that are based in local authorities, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and focused on building research capacity and capability between local government and the academic sector. The HDRC Greater Essex will be hosted by Essex County Council, but you’ll work hand‑in‑glove with colleagues in Southend‑on‑Sea and Thurrock Councils, and across the University of Essex and Anglia Ruskin University.
We are looking to appoint a researcher to work on the HDRC’s research development workstreams on “environmental factors affecting health”. You will advance a portfolio of primary and secondary research projects, working with academic and local authority colleagues, and to a programme agreed by the HDRC’s multi‑partner Leadership Board. You will work as part of a research group with expertise that span qualitative and quantitative methods, and which works with colleagues and partners to disseminate findings in ways that connect with key audiences. You will collaborate to develop applications for research funding and participate in knowledge transfer across Greater Essex. You will also play a key role in supporting the HDRC’s engagement with partners, managing relationships with stakeholders across specific localities in Greater Essex.
The role is a great opportunity to use your recognised technical abilities to directly influence policymaking within Greater Essex and to champion the use of evidence in shaping local public services. In return, you can expect excellent rewards, a package of wrap‑around support and mentorship from senior academics from our partner universities, flexible‑working arrangements and long‑term career opportunities.
Responsibilities
* Providing senior decision‑makers across Greater Essex with the research and evidence to enable effective leadership, governance, commissioning and policymaking.
* Design and delivery of high quality, ethical research that reflects stakeholder requirements and wider regulatory requirements.
* Building strong relationships with partners around specific research workstreams and localities, developing an understanding of their strategic priorities and shaping research to enable it to deliver insights aligned to these priorities.
* Shape research outputs to ensure these are impactful and influential, and that they resonate with key audiences across local public services.
* Using specialist skills, knowledge and experience to provide expert advice and guidance as required ensuring research and analysis activities meet professional and ethical standards.
* Demonstrating intellectual curiosity – proactively exploring the potential to develop new insights.
* Developing successful bids for research funding, helping to augment and sustain the work of the HDRC.
* Continuously developing new and relevant research approaches and supporting the development of an “evidence first” culture across Greater Essex.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
* Educated to degree level in a relevant subject area, or equivalent by experience.
* Evidence of continuing professional development and knowledge in a relevant professional area.
* Ability to work effectively and communicate clearly and appropriately, with a range of internal and external stakeholders and engagement partners, and effective presentation of statistical data.
* Practical experience in the design and delivery of social or market research, applying appropriate methods for the collection and analysis of data (quantitative, qualitative or both).
* Experience of presenting research data and findings in a way that resonates with both professional and non‑technical audiences.
* Experience of using research evidence and insight to influence decisions in complex organisations and/or multi‑agency programmes, and/or to drive improvement in outcomes or services.
* Experience of developing successful bids for research funding.
* Knowledge of governance and ethical requirements concerning the conduct of research.
For an informal conversation please contact Hannah Taylor, HDRC Intelligence Manager, at hannah.taylor@essex.gov.uk.
Why Essex?
As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex. With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you. In February 2025, Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.
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