Research Fellow

Do you want to apply your mixed methods research expertise to a clinical trial?

We are seeking an experienced researcher to play a central role in the development and feasibiltiy evaluation of a peer-delivered psychosocial intervention targeting harmful alcohol use in people with liver disease.

About the role

This role, supervised by Dr Lynne Callghan, involves conducting an embedded mixed methods process evaluation within a feasibility trial to refine trial methods, facilitate implementation, ensure intervention fidelity and refine theory of change.

You will be responsible for:

• Recruiting participants for the process evaluation
• Conducting semi-structured interviews with peer support workers, trial participants, researchers and stakeholders
• Developing topic guides in collaboration with the study Lived Experience Advisory Group
• Analysis and reporting of findings

For more information on Peninsula Medical School please visit our dedicated webpage at

For this role, you will need to be on site 2 days a week. Although we can accommodate working from home for this role, flexibility to be on-site will be expected due to business needs.

This is a part-time position working 29.6 hours per week on a fixed-term basis for 18 months due to funding.

Due to the nature of this role, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check plus an Adult’s Barred List check will be required.

The successful candidate may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Lynne Callaghan: by email at

What we’re looking for:

• PhD or equivalent international qualification or commensurate level of recognition/ international profile in a relevant discipline.
• Understanding of trauma informed practice
• Experience of conducting mixed methods research
• Experience of conducting qualitative interviews with a variety of stakeholders including traditionally marginalised groups

For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.

About us

You will be working with a multidisciplinary team including academics, clinicians and trial delivery and management staff from the Peninsula Clinical Trials Unit.

The Faculty of Health holds four Silver Athena Swan awards, which recognise our commitment to supporting gender equality within higher education.

The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our two strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute and the Sustainable Earth Institute. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.

Application Process

Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, skills and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.

Our Offer

Staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria.

We have a wide range of staff benefits available to employees, depending on eligibility:

• Generous annual leave: 35* Days Annual Leave (pro rata if part-time) plus Bank Holidays* & Closure Days*
• Generous pension scheme
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Development opportunities
• Enhanced family leave
• Flexible working
• Retailer discounts
• On-site nursery

*Pro rata if part-time/fixed term contract

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed .

Additional Information

The University of Plymouth is building an inclusive and equitable university where everyone feels represented, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is guided by the Inclusive Institutions Framework, a strategic and externally validated approach that embeds these principles across the entire institution. To find out more please visit our