Community Research Officer; ARC

Community Research Officer (ARC
2)

Health Research

Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £33,002 to £37,694 (Part-time, Indefinite with End Date)
Closing Date: Monday 27 July 2026
Interview Date: Thursday 13 August 2026
Reference: 0600-26

Division of Health Research
Grade 6 - Part-Time (0.50 FTE – 18.25 hours)

The National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast (NIHR ARC NWC) is a research initiative designed to support applied health and care research across the North West Coast region, with a focus on reducing health inequalities, knowledge mobilisation and translating evidence into practice.

The Community Research Officer role will involve facilitating engagement with Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations across the North West Coast region to build a Network of research-active VCFSE organisations and research-ready communities. Based within the public involvement and engagement team, the Officer will ensure the delivery of the Community Research and Engagement Network (CoREN) objectives and support the commissioning and delivery of research by CoREN members.

You will have experience and knowledge of the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector. You must also be able to manage study documentation and exhibit excellent report writing skills. You will also have evidence of problem‑solving skills and organisational skills with a proven ability to prioritise work and navigate time management, with excellent interpersonal communication skills, verbally and in writing.

Educated to first degree level or equivalent in a discipline related to health research, you will be computer literate and experienced with basic software packages (Excel, Word). You will have experience of developing, maintaining and producing information from databases, and be able to evidence experience of working co‑operatively and flexibly with colleagues, undertaking appropriate administrative responsibilities, and successfully organising and managing meetings or events in person and online.

The Division of Health Research provides an environment that strongly supports the individual needs of each employee, promoting a healthy work‑life balance. We are committed to family‑friendly and flexible working policies on an individual basis, as well as the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education.

The position is available to start from September 2026 and we are open to discussing flexible working arrangements including working week and days/hours worked as well as flexible start and finish times. You will join us on an indefinite contract however, the role remains contingent on external funding which at this time is due to end on 31st March 2031.

Please direct informal enquiries to Caroline Swarbrick, Senior Lecturer in Ageing:

We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity and equality of opportunity.