The Senior Research Associate will play an essential role within a team of researchers who will deliver a programme of innovative participatory research, focused on the co-design of a peer-led intervention for preventing family breakdown in vulnerable groups with unmet mental health needs. The work will take place in Greater Lancashire and South Cumbria. The proposed programme of research speaks directly to growing concerns about mental health and family breakdown, in a context of high rates of children in public care.  The Association of Directors of Children’s Services have identified mental health difficulties as the most common and rising risk factor in children’s social care assessments. While clinical treatment plays an important role in addressing mental health to prevent family breakdown, formal clinical services cannot meet the everyday mental health and wellbeing needs of parents. The proposed programme of research draws on evidence that co-designed peer support, mentoring, and advocacy can fill this gap, by responding to everyday mental distress, creating durable support networks, and often providing a bridge to formal services. The programme of work will include a targeted focus on the Gypsy Roma and Traveller Communities, alongside parents involved with mainstream mental health services.

You will have completed, or be close to completion of, their doctoral studies in a related field. Relevant professional experience is also welcome, given the post will involve extensive external stakeholder engagement. You will need to have a keen interest in participatory research methods, and have strong organisational and interpersonal skills together with a proven ability to establish relationships with service users, statutory services, voluntary organisations, academics and clinicians. You must have robust knowledge of methods of searching and reviewing literature, qualitative data collection, data management and methods of qualitative data analysis. Prior research experience is highly desirable. 

Support, development and mentoring in this role will be provided by the Research theme leads, as well as partner organisations. The postholder will be encouraged to develop their own scholarship within the programme of work, and to be an active member of the wider MHRG.  If you are a self-directed and committed individual with an interest in child welfare, parenting and mental health research, we welcome your application.

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. Our School of Social Sciences and the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (FHASS), provides 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. You will also have excellent opportunities to collaborate with colleagues within the Faculty of Health and Medicine (FHM).   

You will join Lancaster University on an indefinite contract with a start date of the 1^st of July 2026. Although this is an indefinite contract, the role remains contingent on external funding, which is due to come to an end on 30^th June 2031. The post is available on a full-time basis, but we are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.   The successful applicant will be able to work on a hybrid basis, but will be required to travel across Greater Lancashire and South Cumbria to fulfil their duties.  

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 Karen Broadhurst:  Email: k.broadhurst@lancaster.ac.uk Dr Joanna Kostka: Email: j.kostka@lancaster.ac.uk

Closing Date: 19 Jun 2026

Department: Research

Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 (Full time, indefinite with end date)