About this role
Contract: Fixed Term until 31 December 2028
Locations: Northallerton, North Yorkshire
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious researcher with strong evaluation design and quantitative methods skills, and a passion for addressing health inequalities. The postholder will be employed by North Yorkshire Council and will work alongside two Senior Researchers within the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC).
The role sits at the interface of research, policy and practice in local government. It is particularly suited to individuals with strong collaboration skills, experience in developing research funding applications, and the ability to deliver training and support in evaluation, experimental studies and trial design.
Why Work for Us?
As England’s largest county, North Yorkshire offers an exceptional quality of life, with stunning coastlines, rural villages, market towns and two national parks. It is a place rich in heritage and culture.
North Yorkshire Council is the region’s largest employer, with over 15,000 staff. Our workforce is dedicated, innovative and resilient, committed to delivering high-quality services and continuous improvement.
Health Determinants Research Collaboration – North Yorkshire
HDRC North Yorkshire is a partnership with the Universities of Hull and York to strengthen the Council’s research culture and develop sustainable collaborations. The aim is to use research to improve health and wellbeing and reduce inequalities.
This programme forms part of a wider £50 million NIHR investment to enhance research capacity across local authorities, embed evidence-based decision-making and support long-term health and economic outcomes.
What is the Job Role?
You will be aligned with a council directorate, working closely with frontline staff, managers and senior leaders to identify Areas of Research Interest. Supported by a growing community of practice, you will help shape research projects and develop funding bids aligned to local priorities.
Opportunities will arise to lead research projects where external funding has been secured. A key responsibility will be providing high-quality evaluation advice. While the team has strong qualitative expertise, we particularly welcome candidates with skills in evaluation design, theory of change and quantitative methods.
You will deliver workshops on evaluation approaches, including theory-based, quasi-experimental and experimental designs, and respond to ad hoc requests for advice.
Who Are We Looking For?
You will:
Have an emerging track record in designing and delivering high-quality research on health inequalities and their determinants, with evidence of publication or dissemination. Demonstrate strong evaluation expertise across a range of methodologies, including impact, process, value for money and realist evaluation. Be able to assess the feasibility of study designs in response to policy or intervention needs. Have experience of multi-agency research and collaborative working across organisational boundaries. Be skilled in co-production approaches within research. Understand the challenges of translating research into practice and how to support implementation. Have contributed to research funding applications and training delivery. Possess excellent communication, influencing and interpersonal skills. Be organised, motivated and collaborative, with strong project management skills. Be confident working within a local authority context.
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