Research Assistant/Research Associate (Qualitative Research)

Overview

Newcastle University is offering a full-time, fixed-term position as a Research Assistant or Research Associate specialising in qualitative research methods. The role is part of an interdisciplinary project titled The Night Shift 1850-present: Reimagining Sleep, Work and Wellbeing for Healthcare Professionals in English and Scottish Hospitals, which is led by Principal Investigator Dr Kristin Hussey and funded by the Wellcome Trust. The position is hosted within the School of History, Classics and Archaeology.

The project investigates how longstanding workplace cultures and professional identities have normalised unsafe and unsustainable working conditions for healthcare professionals working at night in England and Scotland. The appointed individual will collaborate with healthcare workers at NHS Trusts, employing qualitative methods such as interviews, focus groups, and witness seminars to examine how staff experience and manage night work. Furthermore, the role involves contributing to the development of interventions aimed at improving staff wellbeing.

Who can apply

Applicants from minority and host community backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply for this position. Candidates who require a UK Visa for the role are eligible to apply under the Endorsed Funder Route of the Global Talent Visa, and the university will provide support through this application process.

What you get

The position offers a salary ranging from £34,630 to £41,885 per annum. Specifically, the Research Assistant tier pays between £34,630 and £36,320 per annum, while the Research Associate tier pays between £37,369 and £41,885 per annum.

The role provides researchers with academic and pastoral support, alongside training to develop professional competencies. As a signatory to the Concordat to support researchers' career development, Newcastle University entitles researchers to up to 10 days annually of personal continuous professional development activities. The appointee will also have the opportunity to gain experience in interdisciplinary research, scholarly editing, project management, impact and public engagement, and sole-authored publications.

Requirements

Applicants must be willing to travel for fieldwork and other research and engagement activities, although flexible working arrangements are welcome.

How to apply

Interested candidates must upload an up-to-date curriculum vitae and a cover letter explaining how they meet the essential job criteria. Applicants are also required to submit one writing sample, such as a journal article, book chapter, or thesis chapter, with a maximum length of 10,000 words, that best reflects their research.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 1 December 2026. The successful candidate is expected to start work as soon as possible after 1 March 2027, with the appointment ending no later than 18 April 2032, for a maximum duration of 60 months.