Research Assistant

We’re here to create and harness knowledge, to deliver opportunity for everyone.

This is an exciting opportunity for a research assistant to join the Department of Social Work and Wellbeing to work collaboratively across the teams in Edge Hill University and Blackpool Council on a meaningful, real-world public health project that directly impacts mental wellbeing and employment outcomes in a disadvantaged community.

You will gain experience working with large, complex datasets, applying advanced statistical techniques, and contributing to economic evaluation (WELLBYs)—all highly valuable and transferable research skills. You will also develop expertise in qualitative methods, including interviewing and thematic analysis, strengthening their mixed-methods capability.

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to redeployment, please note that this vacancy may be withdrawn at any stage of the recruitment process if a suitable redeployee is identified.

For informal enquiries about this vacancy, you may wish to contact:
Dr Nicola Relph, Senior Lecturer in Health and Research Methods at  .

As research assistant you will possess strong quantitative research skills, with proven experience managing and analysing large, real-world datasets.

In addition, you will have working knowledge of qualitative research methods, including conducting interviews and focus groups, and analysing themes to understand participant experiences.

You should be self-motivated, organised, and collaborative, able to work both independently and within multidisciplinary teams. An interest in public health, mental wellbeing, and social impact is important, alongside empathy when working with participants, including those who may be vulnerable. Adaptability, initiative, and a commitment to ethical research and continuous learning are also key qualities for success in this role.

At Edge Hill University we value the benefits a rich and diverse workforce brings to our community and therefore welcome applications from all sections of society.

• A minimum of 36 days annual leave per annum, pro rata (inclusive of bank holiday and University closure days)
• Discounted membership to our onsite state-of-the‑art sport and leisure facilities
• Staff benefits scheme, which provides you with discounts across the high street, supermarket shopping, cinema tickets, dining out and more.
• Employee assistance programme with access to free confidential counselling sessions, legal & financial advice, and health & wellbeing resources
• A wide range of development programmes to enhance your career
• Beautiful award‑winning on‑campus working environment.
• Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme

At Edge Hill University we believe in the life changing opportunities knowledge can create. Since 1885, we’ve been creating access to knowledge for those who may not have had the opportunity to before.

Today, the effect we have has a far‑reaching impact, not just for those who come to study here but for those who work, invest in, and live in our local communities too. So, if you’ve ever wondered if one person can make a difference, simply speak to our alumni, students, and award‑winning staff.

Because for us education isn’t about how much you take in. It’s about what you take out into the world.

Inspiring minds and changing futures since 1885, Edge Hill University is “A great success story… an institution that improves and impresses year after year” – Times Higher Education.