Senior Research Fellow(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 at UCL and is led by Professor Kate Walters and Professor Greta Rait.

The Department aims to deliver high-quality teaching in community-based primary care and public health while conducting internationally competitive, multi-disciplinary research. Our focus is on the management and prevention of disease in individuals and populations, addressing priorities critical to public health.

About the Role

The Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Lead will join the NIHR Research Support Service (RSS) Hub, delivered collaboratively by Imperial College London (ICL), UCL, Queen Mary University London (QMUL), and King’s College London (KCL). The RSS provides researchers with expert advice and support for the development and delivery of clinical and applied health and care research.

The PPIE Lead will:

Oversee delivery of the NIHR RSS Hub’s People and Communities strategy, contributing to national collaboration and reporting aligned with NIHR public partnership commitments.

Provide strategic leadership and advisory support to researchers, innovators, clinicians, and health and social care professionals to embed meaningful public involvement in research design, funding applications, and project delivery.

Contract Details

This is an open-ended contract with fixed-term funding until 30th September 2028 in the first instance.

The role is eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa or Global Talent Visa under UK Visas and Immigration regulations. UCL welcomes applications from international candidates requiring a visa.

About You

The ideal candidate will:

Hold a PhD or equivalent research experience.

Have a strong track record in Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE), community engagement, and applied health or social care research.

Demonstrate expertise in developing and implementing PPIE strategies and supporting researchers to embed public involvement.

Have knowledge of the NIHR funding landscape and PPIE requirements across different funding streams.

Bring strategic leadership experience, a commitment to inclusive research practices, and a dedication to advancing equitable public partnerships in health and social care research.

What We Offer

UCL provides a comprehensive benefits package, including:

41 days annual leave (27 days holiday, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)

Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme

Defined benefit CARE pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan

Immigration support and expenses

Relocation support (for eligible posts)

On-site nursery and gym facilities

Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay

Employee Assistance Programme and discounted medical insurance

UCL Rewards & Benefits

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

UCL values diversity as a driver of creativity and innovation and is committed to equality of opportunity and inclusivity. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including:

People from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds

Disabled people

LGBTQI+ individuals

Women in senior roles (Grade 9 and 10)

The Department holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising its commitment to advancing gender equality.

UCL Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion