The University of Plymouth is seeking an experienced Information & Evidence Synthesis Specialist. You will work on the NIHR-funded Mental Health Research Group (MHRG) at the University of Plymouth which brings together researchers from the School of Psychology, Cornwall Intellectual Disability Research Centre (CIDER) and the Community and Primary Care Research Centre (CPCRC). You will work with researchers and partners of the MHRG, retrieving and collating information, synthesising evidence and supporting the capacity building of colleagues within the group through information skills, methodological guidance and knowledge exchange.
About the role
This appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the South West Peninsula (SWP), a region with high mental health needs and historically limited research capacity. Over the past decade, the University of Plymouth has built strength in applied mental health research, combining innovative theoretical and methodological approaches to address how health services and systems can better meet population needs. Now, we are looking to accelerate our success after acquiring a significant £11m research grant from the NIHR to grow our mental health research capacity and capability. Our research vision is deeply rooted in collaboration and impact, working within systems, with people with lived experience and staff to generate immediate benefits for local communities while contributing to nationally relevant, high-quality research.
You will:
* Play a key role in the MHRG by providing information and evidence synthesis expertise to support the research, engagement and capacity building activities of the group
* Support the core team mission of improving equity in mental health care systems
* Support individual researchers and teams on specific projects to locate and curate evidence and working across the mental health research group to source and understand evidence related to the broad issue of system balance, which is the focus of the mental health research group
* Carry out and develop your own focus of work and research alongside other experts from within the University of Plymouth and the supporting universities at King’s and Exeter.
The MHRG team and the wider CPCRC, alongside the NIHR South West Peninsula Applied Research Collaboration, will provide support for engagement in intellectual endeavour and personal capacity building.
For more information on Peninsula Medical School please visit our dedicated webpage at
For this role, you will need to be on site 1 days a week. Although we can accommodate working from home for this role, flexibility to be on-site will be expected due to business needs.
For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Lorna Burns
This part-time position working 14.8 hours per week on a fixed-term basis for 5 years until 31st March 2031.
For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.
About us
The Faculty of Health holds four Silver Athena Swan awards, which recognise our commitment to supporting gender equality within higher education.
The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our two strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute and the Sustainable Earth Institute. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.
Application Process
Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, skills and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.
Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.
Our Offer
Staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria.
We have a wide range of staff benefits available to employees, depending on eligibility:
* Generous annual leave: 35* Days Annual Leave (pro rata if part-time) plus Bank Holidays* & Closure Days*
* Generous pension scheme
* Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Development opportunities
* Enhanced family leave
* Flexible working
* Retailer discounts
* On-site nursery
*Pro rata if part-time/fixed term contract
A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed .
Additional Information
The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background. To find out more about our inclusive community initiatives, such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter, please visit our .