Research Associate (Fixed Term)

This exciting post is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and skilled individual to develop their expertise in qualitative end-of-life care research and systems thinking.We are looking for an energetic and enthusiastic colleague to work with Dr Ben Bowers, Assistant Professor of Primary Care and Nurse Consultant in Palliative Care, and colleagues. The post-holder will lead on two complementary research projects: 1) A qualitative focus group study investigating the perspectives of patients, family carers and members of healthcare teams concerning systems for using injectable medications for end-of-life symptom control at home. We are particularly interested in what works well and where systems for using injectable medications can be improved; 2) Develop a grant application to build on this work.We are looking for someone with qualitative/mixed-methods research skills and experience, and knowledge of health systems design (engineering design), inclusive design or the current landscape of UK palliative and end of life care, primary care and health and social care. The post-holder will be a member of PELiCam, a friendly, dynamic and inclusive leading Palliative and End of Life Care Research Group. Funded by Wellcome Trust, the post-holder will work with internationally leading colleagues from patient safety, engineering and social sciences disciplines, to deliver insightful, high-quality research. They will have access to a community of researchers and be supported in advancing their expertise and competencies in this exciting interdisciplinary field.The ideal candidate will have practical experience of qualitative research methods, systems design and conducting sensitive research, a PhD in a relevant social science, engineering or health discipline or an equivalent level of professional qualifications and experience. They will be skilled in working collaboratively as part of a team, planning and prioritising their workload, communicating with members of the public and research colleagues, presenting research and engaging with diverse audiences, leading the writing of journal papers and developing collaborative research. The successful applicant will require a DBS check which will be applied for once an offer has been accepted.The funds for this post are available for 12 months from commencement in post.This is a full-time position or part-time 80% full time equivalent.The post will be based in the Primary Care Unit, East Forvie Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0SR (approx. 2 miles south of city centre). The post-holder will need to work in the Department at least two days per week.We welcome informal conversations concerning this post: please contact Dr Ben Bowers bb527@cam.ac.ukClosing date: 09 November 2025Interview date: 19, 20, or 25 November 2025Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.Please include details of your referees, including e-mail address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.For information about how your personal data is used as an applicant, please see the section on Applicant Data on our HR web pages: https://www.hr.admin.cam.ac.uk/hr-staff/hr-data/applicant-dataPlease quote reference SN47671 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.