Research Assistant / Research Associate (Fixed Term)
University of Cambridge – Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Primary Care Unit
Cambridge, United Kingdom (Primary Care Unit, East Forvie Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, CB2 0SR)
General Description
The University of Cambridge invites applications for a Research Assistant or Research Associate (Fixed Term) position within the Primary Care Unit, working closely with Dr Ben Bowers, Assistant Professor of Primary Care and Nurse Consultant in Palliative Care, and a multidisciplinary team of collaborators. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to interdisciplinary research focused on improving end-of-life care and healthcare system design.
The postholder will lead and deliver two complementary research projects. The first project involves a mixed-methods analysis examining access to controlled drugs for end-of-life care in UK care homes. The second project involves conducting a systematic literature review of published research exploring the co-design of community palliative care services with service users and healthcare providers.
The role is embedded within PELiCam (Palliative and End of Life Care Research Group), a dynamic and collaborative research group that works with nationally and internationally recognised experts across pharmacy, social science, engineering design, healthcare policy, and patient safety. The research programme is funded by Marie Curie and the Wellcome Trust. The successful candidate will engage with a wide research network and contribute to producing high-quality interdisciplinary research that informs health policy and practice.
Responsibilities include leading research activities, conducting mixed-methods or qualitative analyses, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, presenting research findings to diverse audiences, contributing to the preparation of journal publications, and communicating with healthcare professionals, members of the public, and research collaborators. The successful candidate will also participate in the wider research community within the University of Cambridge.
The appointment is for a fixed-term period of 12 months from the start date. The role is part-time at 80% Full Time Equivalent (approximately four days per week), though applications from candidates able to work no less than 60% Full Time Equivalent will also be considered. The postholder will be required to work in the department at least two days per week. The role requires an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and a Research Passport application once an offer of employment has been accepted.
Eligibility Criteria
Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant discipline, or equivalent research experience
Experience working in a research environment
Applicants must have obtained, or be close to obtaining, a PhD for appointment at Research Associate level
Appointment at Research Assistant level will apply to candidates who have submitted but not yet received their PhD, with promotion to Research Associate following confirmation of the PhD award
Required Expertise/Skills
Demonstrated experience in mixed-methods or qualitative research approaches
Knowledge of health systems design, engineering design, inclusive design, or the UK palliative and end-of-life care landscape, primary care, and health and social care systems
Understanding of care home-based healthcare delivery (advantageous)
Practical experience using SPSS Statistics or similar statistical software
Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams
Strong organisational and project management skills, including the ability to plan and prioritise workload
Experience communicating effectively with the public, healthcare professionals, and academic colleagues
Ability to present research findings to a variety of audiences and contribute to the writing of peer-reviewed journal publications
Salary Details
Research Assistant (Grade 5) starting salary approximately £34,610 per annum; progression to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon award of a PhD.
Application Deadline
9 November 2025