Senior Research Fellow, NIHR Research Support Service (RSS) – PPIE Lead(UK visa sponsorship available)

Job Description

About Us

The Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health (PCPH) is part of the Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, led by Professors Kate Walters and Greta Rait.

Our mission is to deliver high-quality teaching in community-based primary care and public health, while conducting world-class, multidisciplinary research into the prevention and management of disease in areas critical to public health.

About the Role

The NIHR Research Support Service (RSS), delivered through a collaboration between Imperial College London, UCL, Queen Mary University of London, and King’s College London, provides expert advice and support to researchers developing and delivering clinical and applied health and care research.

As PPIE Lead, you will:

Drive the Hub’s People and Communities strategy, ensuring meaningful involvement of patients and the public across research activities.

Provide strategic leadership while also working directly with clinicians, innovators, health and care professionals, and academics.

Support the design and implementation of patient and public involvement in research proposals, funding applications, and project delivery.

Contribute to national-level collaboration and reporting, aligned with NIHR’s public partnership commitments.

This post offers a mix of leadership and advisory responsibilities at both strategic and practical levels.

About You

You will have:

A PhD (or equivalent experience) in applied health, social care, or a related research field.

Significant experience in patient and public involvement (PPIE), community engagement, and applied health or social care research.

A strong track record in developing and delivering PPIE strategies and supporting researchers to integrate public involvement into projects.

Familiarity with the NIHR funding landscape and PPIE requirements across different funding schemes.

Evidence of strategic leadership skills, inclusive research practices, and commitment to equitable partnerships with communities and patients.

Contract & Application Details

Funded until 30 September 2028 (part-time role).

Eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship or Global Talent visa.

To apply: complete the online form and use the personal statement to show how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the person specification.

What We Offer

41 days’ leave (27 annual + 8 bank holidays + 6 closure days)

Option to purchase 5 extra days’ leave

CARE pension scheme (career average revalued earnings)

Cycle-to-work scheme & season ticket loan

Immigration loan & relocation support (where applicable)

On-site nursery and gym

Enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption pay

Employee Assistance Programme & discounted medical insurance

Full details: UCL Rewards & Benefits

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

UCL values diversity as a driver of creativity and innovation. We are committed to building an inclusive community where everyone feels they belong.

We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups, including:

Black, Asian and ethnic minority candidates

Disabled candidates

LGBTQI+ candidates

Women applying for senior academic roles (Grades 9 & 10)

The Department holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognizing our commitment to advancing gender equality.