Research Fellow in Obesity Institute (Fixed-term)

The Obesity Institute at Leeds Beckett University are looking to recruit a Research Fellow who is passionate about conducting highly applied and impactful research with individuals living with excess weight. The post holder will conduct mixed methods research, working closely with external stakeholders, on a large project funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

The Obesity Institute is recognised internationally for our applied obesity research, and public and patient involvement and engagement. Institute staff collaborate with colleagues from across the University and with wider external partners. The School of Health achieved its best REF outcomes to date in 2021 in Unit of Assessment 3, with 80% of outputs, 83% of impact case studies and 75% of research environment rated internationally excellent or world leading. The post will be weighted towards research and enterprise activities, including personal and professional development such as contributing to grant delivery, potential future grant application writing and academic publications.

The post-holders main responsibilities will be contributing to the delivery of a national evaluation of the NHS Complications of Excess Weight clinics (https://www.england.nhs.uk/get-involved/cyp/specialist-clinics-for-children-and-young-people-living-with-obesity/ ). The post holder will work on mapping the delivery and workforce models of CEW clinics, using documentary reviews, surveys, process mapping, semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Additionally, the post holder will support in the triangulation within and between the multiple work packages of the project.

This opportunity is open to candidates who have a doctorate or who are due to submit their thesis within 3-months of commencing in post. They will have experience in applied health research using mixed methods research techniques, and ideally have a scholarly record of relevant published work in peer reviewed journals.

The post is advertised as a full-time position, however applications for part-time working of at least 0.6FTE will be considered. The post will commence from approximately 01/03/2024 (required checks and paperwork permitting) and would therefore run up to 30/09/2026. All candidates must have the right to work in the UK and please note the University does not pay any costs associated with obtaining a visa.

Leeds Beckett University offers flexible working meaning staff can choose to work from home if they wish on days they are not required to be on campus. Please see our web-site for details of our research themes https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/research/obesity-institute/ .

Applications are only accepted via the University job application portal. Applications submitted via e-mail will not be considered. Applicants must address specifically how they meet each of the 10 essential/desirable criteria outlined in the role specification, in their application form.

For an informal discussion about this post, please contact Professor Louisa Ells, Professor of Obesity and Co-Director of Obesity Institute ([email protected] ).

Please note that this post is subject to a criminal records check (Enhanced level).

Closing date: 12 February 2024 (23:59) Please note that you will not be able to edit or submit a part-completed application form after the closing date. 

Working here means you’ll also have access to a wide range of benefits including our generous pension schemes, excellent holiday entitlements, flexible working, reduced study fees, subsidised fitness facilities and a lot more.

We welcome applications from all individuals and particularly from black and minority ethnic candidates as members of these groups are currently under-represented at this level of post.  All appointments will be based on merit.