Research Associate

Overview

A fixed-term Research Associate position is available at the University of Bath within the Department for Health, specifically based in the Centre for 21st Century Public Health. This role is part of the Local Health and Global Profits consortium, which is one of the four themes within the Population Health Improvement Network and is funded by UK Research and Innovation. The position starts in early January 2027 and involves delivering applied public health policy research focused on the commercial determinants of health using qualitative or mixed methods.

Responsibilities include conducting literature and grey literature reviews, preparing policy briefs, managing reference databases, double coding data, and supporting public engagement activities. The role also entails organizing and conducting meetings with research partners, supporting workshops and focus groups, and translating research findings into accessible outputs. Research staff are encouraged to undertake a minimum of 10 days of professional development pro rata per year.

Requirements

Applicants must hold a relevant PhD and possess a research background that complements the aims of the research consortium. Candidates need experience in applied public health policy research, including evaluating existing tools, grey literature reviews, and case study evaluations using qualitative or mixed methods. Experience in delivering workshops or focus groups is also required, alongside excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, attention to detail, and a strong teamwork ethic.

Applicants must have no previous work for or with the tobacco industry or organizations and individuals financially linked to it, and must declare any current or previous occupational activity with tobacco, e-cigarette, e-liquid, or vaping companies or related funded entities. In addition, applicants must declare any personal financial links or links via close personal relationships to several specified industries, including ultra-processed foods, fossil fuels, alcohol, gambling, cannabis, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies, chemicals, and extractive industries. Occasional travel within the UK and internationally may be required.

What you get

The position offers a full-time salary ranging from 39,560 to 46,970 GBP per annum at Grade 7, based on a 36.5-hour work week.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 2026-11-20. The expected start date for the role is early January 2027.