Research Associate

University of Leicester; Leicester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A UK University is seeking a Qualitative Research Associate for a part-time role focusing on asthma education for children and young people. The successful candidate will conduct interviews, engage with key stakeholders, and contribute to impactful research. Applicants should hold a PhD or be nearing completion in a relevant field, with significant experience in qualitative methods such as semi-structured interviews. The position offers hybrid working flexibility and is fixed-term from March 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Excellent pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in a relevant field.
• Significant experience in qualitative research methods.
• Experience engaging with children and young people.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and impactful research.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews with children/young people with asthma.
• Engage parents/carers and healthcare professionals.
• Participate in participant recruitment and governance processes.

Skills

Qualitative research methods

Semi-structured interviews

Thematic analysis

Engaging with children

Excellent communication

Education

PhD in public health, sociology, psychology or relevant field

Job description

About the role

The Division of Respiratory Sciences at the University of Leicester is seeking a Qualitative Research Associate on a fixed‑term basis to work on a 12‑month project funded by the Midlands Asthma and Allergy Research Association (MAARA). The project explores the educational needs of paediatric patients and their carers about asthma management.

The role involves conducting interviews with children and young people aged 10–16 years with asthma, parents/carers of CYPs and healthcare professionals involved in asthma care. Interviews can be held virtually or in person in Leicester, requiring some local travel. This is a part‑time position with hybrid working flexibility; working days and days in office will be agreed with the line manager.

About you

You should hold a PhD (or be near completion) in a relevant field such as public health, sociology, psychology or another social/health science discipline with qualitative expertise.

• Significant experience in qualitative research methods, including semi‑structured interviews and thematic analysis.
• Experience engaging with children and young people in a professional or research capacity.
• Excellent communication skills, ability to work independently and collaboratively, and a commitment to professional development.
• Experience in participant recruitment, NHS ethics governance processes, and contributing to peer‑reviewed publications is highly valued.

You will share our commitment to equity, diversity, and delivering impactful research that makes a difference.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Dr Mayuri Gogoi at [e-mail].

This role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please discuss with your line manager before applying.

As a diverse and forward‑thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do.

We are committed to the wellbeing of all staff and to sustainability of our environment, offering a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme, and generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Vacancy terms

Part‑time (0.6FTE, 22.5 hours per week), fixed‑term contract from 01 March 2026 to 28 February 2027.