Job Title: Research Associate in Public Health EvaluationsJob Reference: REQ Date Posted: Tue, 17 Mar :00:00 GMTApplication Closing Date: Thu, 26 Mar :00:00 GMTLocation: LoughboroughPackage: Specialist and Supporting Academic Research grade 6 from £35608
School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences
Full-time, Fixed term to 28 February 2027
The role is full time, fixed term until the end of February 2027. We would consider part-time applicants. The research team works across Loughborough University, the University of Nottingham and the University of Lincoln and therefore travel between sites will be expected.
Join us and be part of a vibrant community at Loughborough University.
Here’s more about the role and what we’re looking for:
Funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Public Health Research programme (PHR): Public Health Intervention Responsive Studies Team (PHIRST) – East Midlands: A 5-year project which develops and uses robust, timely and easily accessible evaluations to enhance local evidence and improve efficacy of grass roots public health programmes.
Loughborough University is one of three institutions leading the East Midlands PHIRST in collaboration with the University of Nottingham and University of Lincoln. Our partnership is called PHIRST-Light and it is fully funded to evaluate health schemes/programmes that are happening in local government across the UK. Local authorities have opportunities to influence health and health inequalities but without an evidence-base they cannot maximise these opportunities for the benefit of their community. PHIRST-Light works with the relevant local authority to provide robust, timely and easily accessible evaluations to enhance the local evidence and improve efficacy of programmes.
The grant runs until the end of February 2027 and this post is based within the Loughborough project team. The post-holder will also work closely with researchers from University of Nottingham, University of Lincoln, local authorities and communities to deliver the aims and objectives of PHIRST-Light
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
* Has experience conducting public health evaluations in real‑world settings, including mixed‑methods data collection and analysis.
* Is confident working with community groups, stakeholders and local authorities, and enjoys building positive collaborative relationships.
* Has hands‑on experience with qualitative methods (interviews, focus groups, observations) and quantitative analysis, ideally using tools such as SPSS or R.
* Is an effective communicator who can present research clearly to scientific and non‑scientific audiences, and contribute to reports, papers and stakeholder discussions.
* Can manage their time well, work independently and flexibly, and drive projects forward while balancing multiple priorities.
* Has (or is close to completing) a PhD in public health or a related field.
* Is willing to travel within the UK and, occasionally, work outside standard office hours to support community‑based research.
* Shares our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, and values collaborative, ethical and responsible research practice.
If this sounds like the right place, team and role for you please do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Kristen Clements, Translation Lead – Sport, Physical Activity and Health via email to
If there are additional adjustments, you’d like to request please contact Dr Kristen Clements. We also offer reasonable adjustments on the job.
For more information refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.
Our Benefits
At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:
Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.
Where you work - access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Financial Wellbeing - competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.
Support for you and those close to you - through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus flexible and hybrid working options.
Health and Wellbeing - discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.
Travel and sustainability - access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.
Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.