Health Services Research Fellow

Department: Institute for Health and Care Improvement

Location: York

Contract Duration: 24 months

Hours: 7.4

Closing Date: Thursday 27 August 2026 at midnight

Interview Date: Tuesday 15 September 2026

Reference: 116-26

Part time fixed term

Location: York

About York St John University

Situated in the heart of the historic city of York, with the addition of our London Campus, York St John University has a long and proud tradition as a distinguished higher education provider.

Our success is founded on the quality of academic teaching and research, our thriving campus environments, our professional and pastoral support, and our values of an inclusive, innovative and ambitious community with a strong sense of belonging.

The Team

You will join the Institute for Health and Care Improvement (IHCI), a vibrant and growing interdisciplinary research environment committed to delivering high-quality, impactful research that improves health and care outcomes.

The Institute works in partnership with local, regional and national organisations across health, care, and the voluntary sector, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, co-production, and real-world impact.

The Role

We are seeking to appoint a Health Services Research Fellow at 0.2 FTE to support the development of high-quality, impactful research within the Institute:

The post is offered on a 2-year fixed-term basis, with any extension subject to the successful securing of additional external funding.

This fellowship is specifically intended for individuals who have not previously held a post-doctoral research fellowship, and are designed to support early career researchers in building their independent research profile within a supportive and collaborative environment.

You will contribute to the Institute's research activity through the development and delivery of innovative, high-quality research, working with internal colleagues and external partners. You will also be expected to contribute to funding applications, research outputs, and the wider research culture of the University.

Our expectation is that applicants will have significant clinical, applied and/or industry experience in health and care settings that would form the basis of impactful research and complement the role.

A key component of the role is the opportunity to develop your own programme of research. Applicants are therefore required to specify a research proposal outlining:

• Your proposed programme of work during the fellowship
• Your research goals and how the fellowship will support your development
• The potential value, impact, and wider relevance of the proposed research activities

To further develop a growing area of our work, for this fellowship we particularly welcome applications from individuals whose research plans aligns with exercise oncology.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality, impactful health-related research
• Develop and lead elements of research projects and collaborations
• Prepare and contribute to funding bids to support future research
• Produce high-quality research outputs (e.g., publications, reports, presentations)
• Engage with external stakeholders and partners to support knowledge exchange and impact
• Contribute to the wider research culture of the Institute, including mentoring and supporting others where appropriate
• Ensure research is conducted in line with ethical, governance, and regulatory requirements

About You

• A PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant subject
• A developing track record of high-quality research outputs
• Experience of, or strong potential for, working collaboratively with partners and stakeholders
• Knowledge of relevant research methodologies
• The ability to contribute to funding development and research income generation
• Strong communication, organisational and interpersonal skills

This opportunity is particularly suited to early career researchers seeking to establish and grow an independent research trajectory in applied health research.

Additional Information

This role offers a unique opportunity to develop your research career within a supportive academic environment, with dedicated time to build your own programme of work and external funding portfolio.

It is anticipated that the selection process will include an interview. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

Unfortunately this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship however we welcome your application if you are able to evidence right to work in the UK via an alternative route.

We offer a range of family friendly and inclusive policies and facilities and welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive working environment, consideration is given to all requests for job share or flexible working arrangements.

This vacancy is scheduled to close on the date indicated at the bottom of this advert, but we encourage you to please apply as early as possible as we may consider closing earlier if we receive a high level of applications. If the vacancy is closed earlier, all pending applicants will be notified and provided with 24 hours' notice to submit an application. Our benefits package

We offer a wide range of employee benefits including

• Excellent annual leave entitlement, including five discretionary university closure days over the Christmas period
• Disability leave (applies to staff who have disclosed a disability and is also available to staff with disabled dependants)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Paid leave for Armed Forces Reservists
• On-campus courses, one-to-one tutorials, and online resources to help you develop your digital skills and work with new software
• Relocation expenses package for certain roles
• Reimbursement of Skilled Worker Visa application fees and Visa loan scheme for additional costs (if applicable to the role)

Further information about life at YSJ

Our attached 'further information' document below provides further information about our culture, achievements and testimonials from our employees.

Closing Date - Thursday 27 August 2026 at midnight

Provisional Interview Date - Tuesday 15 September 2026