Senior Research Associate
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 (Full time, indefinite with end date)
Closing Date: Friday 19 June 2026
The School of Social Sciences within the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (FHASS) is seeking to appoint a full-time Senior Research Associate to join the University’s new interdisciplinary Mental Health Research Group (MHRG) funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR, 2026 - 2031).
About the role
The Senior Research Associate will play an essential role within a team of researchers who will deliver a programme of innovative participatory research, focused on the co‑design of a peer‑led intervention for preventing family breakdown in vulnerable groups with unmet mental health needs. The work will take place in Greater Lancashire and South Cumbria, addressing growing concerns about mental health and family breakdown, especially for children in public care.
Responsibilities
* Lead and conduct participatory research on co‑designed peer‑led interventions.
* Engage with external stakeholders, including service users, statutory services, voluntary organisations, academics and clinicians.
* Perform literature searches and reviews, and design and manage qualitative data collection.
* Analyse qualitative data using appropriate methods.
* Collaborate with the MHRG and contribute to scholarship within the programme.
* Support the development of research outputs and presentations.
Qualifications
* Completed or near completion of a PhD in a related field.
* Strong interest in participatory research methods.
* Experience in building relationships with service users, statutory services and voluntary organisations.
* Robust knowledge of literature searching, data collection, management and qualitative data analysis.
* Previous research experience highly desirable.
Benefits and Working Conditions
Full‑time position with an indefinite contract starting on 1 July 2026, with flexible working arrangements. Travel across Greater Lancashire and South Cumbria is required. The role is supported by research theme leads and partner organisations, with opportunities for development, mentoring and collaboration across the Faculty of Health and Medicine.
Application
To apply online, please visit the Lancaster University vacancies portal. For additional information, contact Professor Karen Broadhurst (k.broadhurst@lancaster.ac.uk) or Dr Joanna Kostka (j.kostka@lancaster.ac.uk).
Equal Opportunity
We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community, regardless of age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity and equality of opportunity.
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