Student Casual EPR-HPRU Research Associate CoSS Grade

Position Details

School or Department:
College of Social Sciences Health Services and Management Centre

Location:

The University of Birmingham

Grade/Band:
Grade 6

Hourly rate: 16.92 plus holiday entitlement

Casual contract from: 05/01/2026 - TBC

Advert closing date:
Thursday 11th December 2026 at 23:59pm

Number of positions available: 6

People are at the heart of what we are and do.

The University of Birmingham is proud to have been a part of the City of Birmingham and the wider region for over 100 years and we are equally proud to be recognised as a leading global university. We want to attract talented people from across the city and beyond, support them to succeed and celebrate their success.

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of staff and that diversity is a source of strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and warmly welcomes people from all backgrounds. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is at the heart of who we are and how we work.

The University is situated in leafy Edgbaston and there are excellent transport links to our beautiful campus including main bus routes and a train station on campus. We have a state‑of‑the‑art sports centre with pool, shops, places to eat and drink, our own art gallery, museum and botanical gardens.

Find out more about the benefits of working for the University of Birmingham.

We are looking for a talented and highly motivated researcher to join the newly formed Emergency Preparedness and Response Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) funded by the UK National Institute for Health and Care Research. The HPRU is a partnership between the University of Birmingham, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, the MoD’s Defence Public Health Unit and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

This role aligns with the UK Health Security Agency’s strategic goals and the NIHR’s EDI and community partnership frameworks.

The role-holder will provide research support for a rapid five‑month project focusing on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats. This includes assisting with evidence synthesis, data collection and analysis within their area of specialism and contributing to the production of research outputs such as academic publications. The post-holder will work collaboratively within the rapid CBRN project team to ensure key milestones and deliverables are met.

• Collect research data through methods including rapid evidence synthesis and systematic review research, interviews, focus groups, and workshops.
• Analyse research data as directed.
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof for example at seminars and as posters.
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods.
• Work as part of a team of research associates, research fellows, information specialists and senior academics.
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research.
• Promote equality and values diversity, acting as a role‑model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

• Degree or equivalent in relevant subject area.
• Practical experience of using systematic evidence synthesis methodologies (e.g. rapid reviews, scoping reviews, systematic reviews), qualitative or quantitative data collection, public engagement.
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively.
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 and how to actively ensure, in day‑to‑day activity, that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

• Experience of public health emergency response or CBRN threats.

For any informal queries please contact Ameeta Retzer (contact details omitted).

View our staff values and behaviours here.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment.

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections…