Research Fellow

We are looking for an enthusiastic and values-driven Research Fellow to join the University of Plymouth's NIHR-funded Mental Health Research Group (MHRG) and help shape an exciting programme of community-based mental health research in Devonport, Plymouth. Working at the heart of a vibrant local community alongside Zebra Collective, you will explore how community assets, relationships and local strengths contribute to mental health and wellbeing. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a nationally significant programme of work that seeks to transform understanding of mental health systems while delivering meaningful benefits for local people.

About the role

This role offers the chance to lead innovative research while developing your own academic career within a supportive and ambitious research environment. You will recruit, train and support community researchers, contribute to high-quality publications and funding applications, and help strengthen research capacity across the South West Peninsula. We are seeking someone who combines strong research expertise with excellent interpersonal skills, intellectual curiosity, resilience and a passion for creating positive change. If you are excited by the prospect of working alongside communities to generate impactful mental health research, we would love to hear from you.

You will

• Be a skilled and compassionate researcher with experience of community-based, participatory or co-produced research, particularly involving people with lived experience of mental health difficulties
• Have the confidence to build trusted relationships with residents, community organisations and stakeholders
• Have the ability to work flexibly, sensitively and inclusively in complex community settings
• Have experience of ethnographic research, community engagement, qualitative methods and trauma-informed approaches will be highly valued
• Have a commitment to social justice, collaboration and genuine partnership working.

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

Due to the nature of the role, unfortunately we are unable to accommodate working from home.

Due to the nature of this role, a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service 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 Dr Rebecca Hardwick: by email at ***email_hidden***

On-site working in Devonport, Plymouth, will be expected for this role due to business needs.

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

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 here.

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 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages