Research Fellow (3215325LG)

An exciting opportunity is available for a talented researcher to join a successful team within the Primary Care Research Centre to support the process evaluation and implementation of a digital e-health intervention for young people with acne (Acne Care Online). The post is available under the supervision of Professor Miriam Santer and Dr Rosie Essery in close collaboration with colleagues in the Acne Care Online study team. The work will involve setting up and facilitating  group discussions/workshops and one-to-one interviews with those involved in disseminating and implementing Acne Care Online, to include: young people with experience of acne, health care professionals, public partners, community organisations and services working with young people, and representatives from NHS organisations and infrastructure involved in commissioning and planning NHS services (e.g. Integrated Care Systems (ICS)). It will also involve collating and analysing the data collected from these sources, alongside the trial process evaluation, to inform planning and delivering the implementation of Acne Care Online.

Applicants will have experience of disseminating and implementing behaviour change interventions for self-managing health conditions, and of contributing to the process evaluation of randomised controlled trials in health research, including qualitative and public involvement methods. Applicants will ideally have some knowledge of theories and frameworks relevant to implementation science (e.g. Normalisation Process Theory, CFIR). Your knowledge and experience will usually have been gained through a relevant PhD, but may also have been achieved via other research experience, normally supported by a relevant postgraduate degree (e.g. MSc in Health Psychology, digital health or computer science). Successful applicants will have demonstrated their ability to work independently and efficiently in a research context and will have excellent written English skills with meticulous attention to detail. 

The post is fixed term and will be offered up to full time from January 2026. A job share would be considered for the right combination of candidates. The post will be for 12 months in the first instance. 

For an informal discussion about the post please contact Dr Rosie Essery (r.a.essery@soton.ac.uk) or Professor Miriam Santer (m.santer@soton.ac.uk)

Closing Date: 21 Oct 2025

Section: Education, Research & Enterprise

Salary: £36,636 to £44,746 per annum
Full Time Fixed Term until 31/12/2026