Research Associate; Translation and Implementation Research

About the role

The University of Leicester is seeking a talented and motivated Research Associate to join the Centre for Healthcare Innovation, Policy and Management within the School of Business on a full‑time fixed‑term contract until 31 January 2031. Working within the National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration East Midlands (NIHR ARC EM), you will contribute to the Translation and Implementation Research Theme, supporting a programme of applied health and care research aimed at improving health and care services through evidence‑based collaboration and innovation.

You will lead the design and delivery of implementation studies, national evaluations and systematic reviews, applying qualitative, quantitative and mixed‑methods approaches to investigate the implementation and evaluation of innovations in health and care settings. Based within an interdisciplinary research environment and working closely with Professor Gregory Maniatopoulos and Dr Gemma Hughes, you will manage collaborative research projects, publish high‑quality research outputs, contribute to research funding applications, disseminate findings nationally and internationally, and support the development of colleagues and research students through mentoring and collaborative working.

You will hold a PhD (or close to completion) in health services research, sociology, health psychology or a related discipline, together with substantial experience in applied health and care research. You will have expertise in research project management, qualitative and quantitative methodologies, data analysis, publication of research in high‑quality academic journals, and an understanding of NHS policy and current health and care research priorities.

Experience of recruiting research participants and sites, obtaining ethical and research governance approvals, and delivering complex research projects to agreed milestones is essential.

You will be an excellent communicator who can work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team. You will demonstrate a commitment to continual professional development, the ability to build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and enthusiasm for contributing to collaborative and impactful research. Experience of stakeholder engagement, patient and public involvement, co‑produced research, systematic reviews and research grant development would be advantageous.

The successful candidate will thrive in a collaborative research environment dedicated to addressing challenges in healthcare innovation, policy and service improvement.

Full‑time or job share, fixed‑term contract to 31 January 2031. Due to external funding restrictions, an offer above the bottom of the scale may reduce the contract length available.

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Gregory Maniatopoulos at