Band 7 Senior Research Fellow – Safer by Design
Main area Research Fellow (Mental Health). Grade Band 7. Contract 18 months (Fixed Term). Hours Full time – 37.5 hours per week. Job ref 436-8015343.
Site: The Barberry Town Birmingham. Salary: £49,387 – £56,515 per annum, pro rata. Salary period: Yearly. Closing 28/07/2026 23:59. Please note that this post may close earlier than the indicated closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received.
Job Overview
An exciting opportunity for a Senior Research Fellow to join our Research & Development team and play a key role in delivering the NIHR-funded ‘Safer by Design’ Programme Development Grant.
This 18‑month programme aims to develop new approaches to reducing patient‑defined harm in acute mental health inpatient settings through evidence synthesis, co‑production, and collaborative research partnerships.
Working closely with the Chief Investigator, you will coordinate and lead elements of the programme across multiple workstreams, contributing to the development of a future Programme Grant for Applied Research.
Applicants should hold a degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience, and training in quantitative and/or qualitative research methods. Experience leading research projects from concept to dissemination is required, and strong written, analytical and presentation skills are essential. Experience working with mental health professionals, service users or research partners is essential. A PhD or equivalent research experience in mental health or a related field is desirable.
Main Duties of the Job
The Senior Research Fellow will lead and coordinate research activity within the Safer by Design programme, ensuring the successful delivery of a multi‑strand NIHR‑funded project. This includes managing research protocols, contributing to the development of innovative research methods, and supporting the production of high‑quality outputs such as publications, reports, and funding applications.
The post holder will work collaboratively with NHS partners, academic institutions, and community organisations, while also engaging closely with lived experience partners to support co‑production activities. The role also involves supervising junior staff, contributing to research governance and strategy, and maintaining strong links with internal and external stakeholders to support future programme development.
The role requires strong research capability, a solid understanding of both qualitative and quantitative methods, and excellent communication skills. The post holder must be able to work independently while also collaborating within multidisciplinary teams, demonstrating strong organisational skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
Qualifications
- Degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience or training.
- Evidence of training in research methods.
- PhD or equivalent level research experience in appropriate mental health specialities.
Experience & Skills
- Research experience in an appropriate field.
- Experience of working on applied health research programmes in the specialist area.
- Experience of working with racially minoritised communities, neurodivergent individuals or people with lived experience of inpatient mental health services.
- Ability to work to timescales both independently and under supervision.
Additional Information
The Trust is committed to treating individuals fairly and ensuring they have the same opportunities to fulfil their potential. We are working hard to ensure our workforce reflects the diversity within Birmingham and Solihull and that our services meet the needs of all diverse service users and carers.
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of our safe recruitment practice pre‑employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Applicants may be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, and any criminal record history will be dealt with on a case‑by‑case basis. If applicable, you will be required to cover the cost of your DBS certificate; this will be deducted from your salary over 3 months. You will also be required to sign up to the DBS Update Service before commencement. The Trust will reimburse this cost and you will be contractually obliged to maintain your subscription.
All successful applicants will be required to complete the Trust’s induction programme, including statutory and mandatory e‑learning modules (approx. 9‑14 hours depending on the post) by the end of the second week.
Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the United Kingdom (UK) or Republic of Ireland are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. The role meets the eligibility criteria for the Skilled Worker route only if the starting salary is £38,700 or above. Relocation expenses may be reimbursed subject to eligibility (up to £8,000). Please note that applicants applying for a role within Police custody must have been a UK resident for the last years.
Employer Certification / Accreditation Badges
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and a Submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service is required to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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