The closing date is 20th Sep 2026
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Anticipated Interview date(s) 1st October
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Job summary
We are looking for a Research Associate to join the Mental Health Learning Systems project, a collaboration between Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Plymouth.
You'll work as part of a research team embedded within local mental health services, helping to develop and answer service evaluation and research questions that support needs-led and inclusive care.
Working closely with clinicians, managers, researchers, people with lived experience and other stakeholders, you will contribute to the co-design of research and service evaluation activity, with a particular focus on qualitative methods. You will be involved in participant recruitment, data collection, qualitative interviewing, analysis, interpretation and write-up, as well as knowledge mobilisation and dissemination of findings.
This is a varied role requiring strong qualitative research skills, excellent communication and the ability to build effective relationships across clinical and academic environments.
The role will involve travel to clinical bases across Somerset and occasional travel to Plymouth and other locations.
Interviews have been scheduled for the 1st October.
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Main duties, tasks & skills required
The Research Associate will contribute to the design and delivery of qualitative research and service evaluation within Somerset mental health services.
Key duties will include identifying and recruiting eligible participants; undertaking sensitive qualitative interviews and observational or ethnographic data collection; analysing qualitative data using appropriate methods; and contributing to the interpretation, write-up and dissemination of findings.
The post holder will work with clinicians, managers, researchers, service users, carers, voluntary sector partners and other stakeholders to co-design service evaluation questions and research activity. They will also contribute to the development and evaluation of knowledge mobilisation approaches.
The role includes maintaining accurate study records, supporting ethical and governance processes, contributing to reports, publications, presentations and funding applications, and ensuring research is conducted in line with relevant governance, ethical and regulatory requirements.
The post holder will manage their own workload, take responsibility for specific elements of research activity and work independently within the wider research team.
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About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
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Job description
Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more information about the role.
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Person specification
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Qualifications
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Essential
Relevant degree level (psychology, social science, health care) or equivalent.
Relevant postgraduate qualification or equivalent (or working towards
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Desirable
PhD in a relevant and related field
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Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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For help with your application, contact:
Adrian Hayes
[email protected]
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Pay scheme
Agenda for Change
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Band
Band 6
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Salary
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£39959.00 to £48117.00 Yearly
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Contract
Fixed Term
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Duration
4 Year(s)
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Working pattern
Part-Time
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Reference number
184-OL-PU-5714
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Job locations
Musgrove Park Hospital
Musgrove Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 5DA
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