Research Fellow

We are looking to appoint a dynamic and independent Research Fellow with excellent interpersonal skills to join our research team and drive impactful research into end-of-life care for people with a learning disability. 

This Marie Curie funded collaboration between the University of Southampton, University of South Wales, and University of Kingston is a co-produced, solution-focused study of the timeliness of provision of end-of-life care to adults with learning disabilities.

For people with a learning disability, longstanding health, wellbeing, economic and support inequities shape their entire lives.  They are likely to die prematurely and are under-represented in specialist palliative care services.  Many deaths of people with learning disabilities are not well anticipated by those around them and we do not know enough about why this is the case.  The project will involve qualitative data collection with bereaved family members and carers to identify critical events and incidents in the last 12 months of life that might indicate that death was approaching, and to explore the extent to which their expertise was recognised and acted upon.  

This role presents an exciting and challenging opportunity to drive research in a collaborative and supportive team environment. The role is ideal for someone with an interest in disability and social justice who is looking to make a real difference through rewarding research. The post will offer opportunities to develop skills in working with vulnerable families, in qualitative data collection and analysis, and to publish in the scientific literature. 

You will have a relevant research-related experience, and/or a PhD/ related professional qualification and a keen interest in the field of health, learning disability or end-of-life and palliative care. Excellent organisational and communication skills are essential for this role, and the ability to travel to selected locations. We are open to flexible working. 

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given. 

This post is offered on a fixed term contract for 12 months and part time for 14 hours per week, 

A DBS check is required for this role.

Informal enquiries are very welcome. Please contact Dr Katherine Hunt (K.J.Hunt@soton.ac.uk) for further information.

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.

This role does not qualify for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship. To explore alternative UK visa options, see gov.uk.

Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.