Lancaster University has a world-class reputation as a centre for excellence in teaching and research. It is in the top 1 per cent of universities in the world and highly ranked in each of the UKs major university league tables. The Division of Health Research (DHR), within Lancaster University’s Faculty of Health and Medicine, is seeking to appoint a Research Associate or Senior Research Associate with experience in data science to join the new Mental Health Research Group (MHRG).  The MHRG is a five-year initiative funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), who have recently awarded Lancaster University almost £11 million to conduct world-class mental health research in the North West region.

Four initial research themes aim to tackle inequities in access to effective mental health interventions, particularly for those experiencing multiple disadvantages and/or complex mental health issues, who are often excluded from mainstream services. A robust knowledge mobilisation infrastructure will be implemented to ensure that research translates rapidly into significant improvements in health and social care. The voices of diverse individuals with lived experience are central to all aspects of the research programme.

 You will work across the Drug and Alcohol and Mental Health Data Science themes with Professor Jo Knight, Dr Laura Goodwin, Dr Thomas Mason and Dr Anastasia Ushakova to analyse mental health care data sets. There will be opportunity through this role to work with novel and linked routine data. This will likely involve a wide range of research skills including statistical analysis, data visualisation, engagement with service users and stakeholders, research ethics and governance applications, and preparing papers for publication. You will demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to present complex statistical findings appropriately for a range of audiences. In year 2 and 3 of the role, there will be space for the successful applicant to propose their own research project using routine data.

You must have a degree or PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline. Ideally, in addition to strong quantitative research skills, you will have a good understanding of mental health research, particularly involving addiction and/or inequalities. Experience working with NHS data sets, and using programmes such as R, Stata, SQL or Python, would be advantageous. 

You will be based in the Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research at Lancaster University (Health Innovation campus) and associated with the Centre for Health Informatics, Computing and Statistics, and may involve occasional travel within the UK.

The team and the Division of Health Research provide a friendly environment that strongly supports the individual needs of each employee and actively promotes a healthy work-life balance. The Faculty is committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies and has held a Silver Athena SWAN award since 2014 in recognition of its good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education and research.

The post is available to start September 2026 and we will consider against the business needs of the project flexible working arrangements including condensed hours, days/hours worked and flexible start and finish times. You will join Lancaster University on an indefinite contract; however, the role remains contingent on external funding, which at this time is due to come to an end on 30th June 2031.

Applicants wishing to consider the Skilled Worker Route should ensure they meet the points requirement before applying. Further information can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website.

For further information on the role and to discuss any aspects of the position, please contact: 

Professor Jo Knight: jo.knight@lancaster.ac.uk or Dr Laura Goodwin: l.goodwin1@lancaster.ac.uk

Closing Date: 18 May 2026

Department: Research

Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 (Full-Time/Indefinite with End Date)

Lancaster University has a world-class reputation as a centre for excellence in teaching and research. It is in the top 1 per cent of universities in the world and highly ranked in each of the UKs major university league tables. The Division of Health Research (DHR), within Lancaster University’s Faculty of Health and Medicine, is seeking to appoint a Service User Researcher to join the new Mental Health Research Group (MHRG). 

Funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the MHRG will identify local needs and priorities for mental health research in North West England and work alongside residents to develop better care. Four initial research themes aim to tackle inequities in access to effective mental health interventions, particularly for those experiencing multiple disadvantages and/or complex mental health issues, who are often excluded from mainstream services. We will establish a ‘Voices with Impact Hub’ to ensure that lived experience voices are central to the work of the MHRG and that currently underrepresented communities are proactively and fully engaged in mental health research.

We are looking for a full-time Service User Researcher to facilitate the inclusion of lived experiences voices across the MHRG programme. Support, development and mentoring in this role will be provided by experienced lived experience researchers. You will liaise with service users, statutory services, voluntary organisations, academics and clinicians. Experience of mental health services, an interest in research and good interpersonal skills are essential. You will be required to travel across the UK (particularly within North West England) to fulfil their duties. Prior research experience would be desirable. 

If you are a self-directed and committed individual with an interest in mental health research and lived experience of mental health services then we welcome your application.

Our team and the Division of Health Research provide a friendly environment that strongly supports the individual needs of each employee and which actively promotes a healthy work-life balance. The Faculty is committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies and has held a Silver Athena SWAN award since 2014 in recognition of its good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education and research. 

The post is available to start July 2026 and we will consider against the business needs of the project flexible working arrangements including condensed hours, days/hours worked and flexible start and finish times. You will join Lancaster University on a fixed term contract; however, the role remains contingent on external funding, which at this time is due to come to an end on 30^th June 2031.

Applicants wishing to consider the Skilled Worker Route should ensure they meet the points requirement before applying. Further information can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website.

For further information on the role and to discuss any aspects of the position, please contact:

Dr Jasper Palmier-Claus: j.palmier-claus@lancaster.ac.uk or Professor Steven Jones: s.jones7@lancaster.ac.uk

Closing Date: 11 May 2026

Department: Support - Administrative

Salary: £26,707 to £30,378 (Full-Time/Fixed Term)

International Observatory on End of Life Care

The International Observatory on End of Life Care within the Division of Health Research, is part of a consortium which has been awarded European Commission funding under the Horizon Programme for Pal-Cycles: Palliative care yields cancer wellbeing support. This is an exciting five-year study where we are evaluating an intervention to improve the communication and continuity of care for cancer patients who have palliative needs. The study involves developing the intervention based upon results of a previous study, a review of the literature and adaption with clinicians in the UK. The intervention is being evaluated through a trial in two hospitals in each of the eight countries involved (UK, Netherlands, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Portugal). We are currently developing a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) about the project. 

We are looking for a researcher with experience in palliative care to develop this course with us and international colleagues. Professor Nancy Preston and Professor Sheila Payne are the project leads. You will be expected to assist with all aspects of the project as required. 

The International Observatory on End of Life Care conducts high quality cutting edge research and provides innovative educational programmes to improve palliative and end of life care for patients and family members.  See www.lancaster.ac.uk/fhm/research/ioelc/. 

The Faculty provides an environment that strongly supports the individual needs of each employee, promoting a healthy work-life balance. We are committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies on an individual basis, as well as the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education.

The post is available for immediate start and we will consider against the business needs of the project flexible working arrangements including condensed hours, days/hours worked and flexible start and finish times. Job share will also be considered. You will join Lancaster University on an indefinite contract; however, the role remains contingent on external funding, which at this time is due to come to an end on 31^st August 2027.

Applicants wishing to consider the Skilled Worker Route should ensure they meet the points requirement before applying. Further information can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Please direct informal enquiries to Professor Nancy Preston (n.j.preston@lancaster.ac.uk) or Professor Sheila Payne (s.a.payne@lancaster.ac.uk)

Closing Date: 12 May 2026

Department: Research

Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 (Full-Time/Indefinite with End Date)

The Division of Health Research, within Lancaster University’s Faculty of Health and Medicine, is seeking a committed and experienced Project Manager to lead on administration of the new Mental Health Research Group (MHRG). The MHRG is a five-year initiative funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), who have recently awarded Lancaster University almost £11 million to conduct world-class mental health research in the North West region.

More than 13,000 people in Lancashire and South Cumbria have been diagnosed with a severe mental illness, while Blackpool has the highest rate of deaths linked to addiction and suicide in England. In conjunction with partners at the University of Manchester and King’s College London, the group will identify local needs and priorities for mental health research and work alongside residents to develop a more proactive, preventative model of care.

Four initial research themes aim to tackle inequities in access to effective mental health interventions, particularly for those experiencing multiple disadvantages and/or complex mental health issues, who are often excluded from mainstream services. A robust knowledge mobilisation infrastructure will be implemented to ensure that research translates rapidly into significant improvements in health and social care. The voices of diverse individuals with lived experience are central to all aspects of the research programme.

You will play an integral role in the MHRG programme and its management, coordinating collaboration with all programme members to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of the programme objectives. This will include leading on strategic engagement with partner institutions, including other universities, NHS Trusts and third sector organisations, as well as on tracking MHRG progress again defined KPIs, managing budgets and expenditure, and producing accurate and timely project reports. You will also have joint supervisory responsibility for a dedicated Administrator alongside the programme co-leads.

We require an individual with previous experience of project management to ensure the smooth running of the MHRG. Previous experience must include:

• Managing large scale, diverse research projects, including negotiating with a wide range of research partners;
• Leading strategic engagement with academic and non-academic stakeholders; 
• Organising and facilitating meetings, events, workshops and conferences;
• Running promotional media campaigns including web presence and social media.

The post will be based in the Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research at Lancaster University (Health Innovation campus) and may involve travel within the UK.

The team and the Division of Health Research provide a friendly environment that strongly supports the individual needs of each employee and actively promotes a healthy work-life balance. The Faculty is committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies and has held a Silver Athena SWAN award since 2014 in recognition of its good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education and research.

The post is available to start July 2026 and we will consider against the business needs of the project flexible working arrangements including condensed hours, days/hours worked and flexible start and finish times. You will join Lancaster University on a fixed term contract; however, the role remains contingent on external funding, which at this time is due to come to an end on 30^th June 2031.

Applicants wishing to consider the Skilled Worker Route should ensure they meet the points requirement before applying. Further information can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website.

For further information on the role and to discuss any aspects of the position, please contact:  Dr Jasper Palmier-Claus: j.palmier-claus@lancaster.ac.uk or Professor Steven Jones: s.jones7@lancaster.ac.uk

Closing Date: 11 May 2026

Department: Professional/Management

Salary: £48,822 to £56,535 (Full-Time/Fixed Term)

Division of Health Research (Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research) 

Grade 7

Lancaster University has a world-class reputation as a centre for excellence in teaching and research. It is in the top 1 per cent of universities in the world and highly ranked in each of the UKs major university league tables. The Division of Health Research (DHR), within Lancaster University’s Faculty of Health and Medicine, is seeking to appoint an experienced Senior Research Associate to join the new Mental Health Research Group (MHRG). The MHRG is a five-year initiative funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), who have recently awarded Lancaster University almost £11 million to conduct world-class mental health research in the North West region.   

More than 13,000 people in Lancashire and South Cumbria have been diagnosed with a severe mental illness, while Blackpool has the highest rate of deaths linked to addiction and suicide in England. In conjunction with partners at the University of Manchester and King’s College London, the group will identify local needs and priorities for mental health research and work alongside residents to develop a more proactive, preventative model of care. Four initial research themes aim to tackle inequities in access to effective mental health interventions, particularly for those experiencing multiple disadvantages and/or complex mental health issues, who are often excluded from mainstream services. The voices of diverse individuals with lived experience are central to all aspects of the research programme. 

You will work alongside Dr Jasper Palmier-Claus, Professor Steven Jones and Dr Euan Lawson to lead and deliver a randomised control trial for enabling physical health appointments in people with severe mental health difficulties. This role will involve measuring the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the intervention, as well as carrying out a process evaluation to better understand how and why the intervention works, for whom, and in what contexts. You will have a strong background in mental health research and a PhD in a related discipline (or equivalent experience). Knowledge of clinical trial methodology and qualitative approaches, plus an understanding of the ethical and governance processes associated with intervention studies, would be advantageous. You will be expected to contribute to the development of future competitive funding applications to ensure sustainability in mental health research; previous experience is desirable.

The post will be based in the Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research at Lancaster University (Health Innovation campus) and will involve some travel within the UK. 

Our team and the Division of Health Research offer a friendly environment that strongly supports the individual needs of each employee and actively promotes a healthy work-life balance. The Faculty is committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies and has held a Silver Athena SWAN award since 2014 in recognition of its good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education and research. 

The post is available to start July 2026 and we will consider against the business needs of the project flexible working arrangements including condensed hours, days/hours worked and flexible start and finish times. You will join Lancaster University on an indefinite contract; however, the role remains contingent on external funding, which at this time is due to come to an end on 30^th June 2031.

Applicants wishing to consider the Skilled Worker Route should ensure they meet the points requirement before applying. Further information can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website.

For further information on the role and to discuss any aspects of the position, please contact: 

Dr Jasper Palmier-Claus email: j.palmier-claus@lancaster.ac.uk or Professor Steven Jones email: s.jones7@lancaster.ac.uk

Closing Date: 06 May 2026

Department: Research

Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 Full-Time/Indefinite with End Date)