Research Assistant Uk Visa Sponsorship

Job Description

Are you an ambitious researcher passionate about technology and applied social care, eager to take the next step in your career? Would you like to collaborate with world-leading implementation scientists, health economists, social policy experts, and industry professionals? Are you ready to advance your career at one of the UK’s top research-intensive universities?

We are seeking a Research Assistant (Social Care Research and Development) to join our team and contribute to the 30-month SENSITISE project, exploring the priorities of people using, developing, and funding social care technologies. The School of Healthcare is committed to expanding its research capacity and capability, offering opportunities to work alongside leading researchers, contributing to impactful applied health and care research, and making a positive societal difference. As the lead partner in the NIHR School for Social Care Research (Phase IV) at Leeds and the NICHE-Leeds partnership, the School of Healthcare is at the forefront of science and care collaboration in the city, alongside the Accelerated Healing and Rehabilitation work of the NIHR Healthtech Research Centre. You will work closely with our research teams in the School and Faculty of Medicine and Health to support one of our key social care research projects.

Our research aims to address important social care issues, improve the quality of life and care for people receiving or working in care. Areas of focus include enhancing care through technology, improving quality and safety, utilizing data for better care, supporting personal care needs (e.g., mouth care), and examining the social care workforce. We employ a variety of research methods, including big data analysis, social network analysis, qualitative and mixed methods studies, and the development and evaluation of complex interventions. A core aspect of our work is not just conducting research but building capacity, skills, and mobilizing knowledge—collaborating with key stakeholders (people accessing social care, families, care staff, providers, commissioners) to influence practice and policy. We expect you to be flexible and adaptable in your approach, working effectively with partners and a diverse team.

In this role, you will play an integral part in our School, working closely with academic colleagues and under the guidance of Professor Carl Thompson. You will support a Grade 7 researcher and a team of co-applicants in delivering the SENSITISE research project, helping to evolve it into a longer-term programme of work. Our goal is to influence social and healthcare practice and policy and advance the science of social care. You will have the opportunity to contribute to shaping this research programme, helping to disseminate findings through various platforms—research-based journal articles, presentations to scientists, policy makers, social care providers, and funders.

To be successful, you should hold a degree, preferably a Master’s degree with a research component (such as an MSc in Health Sciences or social care research), and have experience in applied health and care research. You should also have the skills and expertise to contribute to research in social care and health contexts.

What We Offer:

• 26 days of holiday plus approximately 16 Bank Holidays/days the University is closed (including Christmas)—that’s 42 days per year!
• A generous pension scheme, with the University contributing 14.5% of your salary, plus life assurance.
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted membership to The Edge, our state-of-the-art campus gym, featuring a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team, and self-development courses in areas like languages, Creative Writing, Wellbeing Therapies, and more.
• Additional benefits, including on-site childcare, shopping discounts, and travel schemes.

If you’re looking for a role that will develop your research skills and help you grow as a leader while working in a supportive, dynamic team, apply today.

Visa Eligibility: This post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, though first-time applicants may need to meet specific salary requirements. For more information, visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa. We also consider eligibility for research and academic roles under the Global Talent visa. For more details, visit: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent.

For further information or if you have any queries, please contact:

Professor Carl Thompson
Email: c.a.thompson@leeds.ac.uk