Job Summary Table of Healthcare Research

Job Description Summary

The University of Exeter is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a Wellcome-funded project investigating continuity of care in general practice, working alongside Dr. Nada Khan to conduct ethnographic fieldwork across multiple general practice sites in England.

Responsibilities

• 🔍 Conduct Ethnographic Research: Lead fieldwork in four general practice sites across England, including informal discussions with practice staff and ‘walk-throughs’ of practice systems to observe and document continuity of care processes
• 📊 Data Collection and Analysis: Collect relevant practice documentation, discuss their relevance with practice staff, and contribute to comprehensive data analysis
• 🎙️ Conduct Realist Interviews: Interview members of the practice team using realist methodology to understand contextual factors and mechanisms that contribute to high levels of relational continuity
• 📝 Research Documentation: Work with the team on data analysis, write-up, and dissemination of project findings through academic publications and presentations
• 👥 Stakeholder Engagement: Interact with Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) and professional advisory groups, collecting and integrating their feedback to shape research analysis and interpretation
• 📅 Project Management: Help organize and attend steering committee meetings and the final knowledge exchange day
• 🔄 Collaborative Working: Function effectively within a multi-professional and multidisciplinary research team focused on primary care delivery

Benefits and Perks

• 💰 Competitive Salary: Starting from £42,882 (Grade F34) depending on qualifications and experience
• 🏖️ Generous Holiday Allowance: Comprehensive time off to maintain work-life balance
• ⏱️ Flexible Working Arrangements: Hybrid working opportunities available
• 💼 Career Development: Work within a prestigious Russell Group university with world-class research opportunities
• 🏥 Pension Scheme: Excellent retirement benefits package
• 🚚 Relocation Package: Support for relocation if applicable
• 🏫 Academic Environment: Opportunity to work in a world-leading research institution

Company Overview

The University of Exeter stands as one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities, proudly holding membership in the prestigious Russell Group. Ranked within the top 200 universities worldwide according to Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024, Exeter combines exceptional teaching with cutting-edge research. The university achieved a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, backed by Gold ratings for both Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

The university’s research impact has experienced remarkable growth compared to other Russell Group institutions in recent years. Home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, Exeter tackles fundamental challenges facing humanity today. An impressive 99% of the university’s research is of international quality, with 47% classified as world-leading according to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

Company Culture

Located in one of the UK’s most beautiful regions, Exeter offers an exceptional working environment. The city itself has been designated as a UNESCO Creative City and is rapidly developing as a technology hub. The university cultivates a collaborative atmosphere where academic freedom is valued and interdisciplinary work is encouraged. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff representing 150 different countries, Exeter provides a diverse and engaging environment where differences are celebrated as major strengths.

Career Growth Opportunities

Working at the University of Exeter offers incredible potential for professional development. As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, you’ll have the freedom and support to pursue your intellectual interests and work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research. The university’s Exeter Academic initiative supports high-performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their careers through mentorship, training, and networking opportunities. You’ll join a growing team focused on primary care delivery and continuity of care, allowing you to build specialized expertise in a field with significant relevance to healthcare policy and practice.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

The University of Exeter is deeply committed to creating an inclusive culture where all community members can thrive. The institution actively engages with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender equality (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion), and serves as a Disability Confident employer. These commitments ensure that diverse voices are heard and valued throughout the organization.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Exeter is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. While all applicants will be judged on merit alone, the university particularly welcomes applications from groups currently underrepresented within its working community. The University is proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcomes applications from service people.

Remote Work Policy

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to discuss hybrid working arrangements during the interview process. The university offers flexible working policies designed to support work-life balance while maintaining productivity and team cohesion. Support teams understand university-wide research and teaching goals and partner with academics accordingly to ensure seamless collaboration regardless of working location.

Application Process

1. Review the full Job Description and Person Specification available on the University of Exeter website
2. Prepare your application materials including CV and cover letter highlighting your experience with realist methodology and healthcare research
3. Submit your application through the online portal before the closing date (08/05/2025)
4. If shortlisted, attend an interview where hybrid working possibilities can be discussed

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by May 8th, 2025.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply online through the University of Exeter recruitment portal. For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Nada Khan via email at n.khan@exeter.ac.uk.

Social Media Links

• University of Exeter LinkedIn
• University of Exeter Twitter
• University of Exeter Facebook

FAQs or Additional Information

What is realist methodology?
Realist methodology is an approach to evaluation and research that focuses on understanding not just whether interventions work, but how they work, for whom, and under what circumstances. It seeks to identify the underlying mechanisms that make interventions effective in specific contexts.

What is relational continuity of care?
Relational continuity of care refers to an ongoing therapeutic relationship between a patient and one or more healthcare providers. This research project aims to understand how this continuity functions in general practice settings and the factors that contribute to high-quality continuity of care.

Will I need to travel for this position?
Yes, the role requires conducting ethnographic fieldwork across four general practice sites in England, so regular travel will be necessary.

What qualifications are required?
Applicants must possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study and have specialist knowledge in realist methodology and healthcare research.

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