About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Research Fellow to join our Research & Development team and play a key role in delivering the NIHR-funded 'Safer by Design' Programme Development Grant.
This innovative 14-month programme aims to develop new approaches to reducing patient-defined harm in acute mental health inpatient settings through evidence synthesis, co-production, and collaborative research partnerships.
Working closely with the Chief Investigator, you will coordinate and lead elements of the programme across multiple workstreams, contributing to the development of a future Programme Grant for Applied Research.
Applications are sought from candidates who hold a degree in a relevant field or demonstrate equivalent experience, alongside training in quantitative and/or qualitative research methods. They should have proven experience of leading research projects from initial concept through to dissemination, supported by strong written, analytical, and presentation skills. Experience of working with mental health professionals, service users, or research partners is essential, as is the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams. A PhD or equivalent research experience in mental health or a related field is desirable.
Main duties of the job The Senior Research Fellow will lead and coordinate research activity within the Safer by Design programme, ensuring the successful delivery of a multi-strand NIHR-funded project. This includes managing research protocols, contributing to the development of innovative research methods, and supporting the production of high-quality outputs such as publications, reports, and funding applications. The post holder will work collaboratively with NHS partners, academic institutions, and community organisations, while also engaging closely with lived experience partners to support co-production activities. In addition, the role involves supervising junior staff, contributing to research governance and strategy, and maintaining strong links with internal and external stakeholders to support future programme development. The role requires strong research capability, including experience of leading projects from design through to dissemination and a solid understanding of both qualitative and quantitative methods. Excellent communication skills are essential to effectively engage with professionals, service users, and diverse communities. The post holder must be able to work independently while also collaborating within multidisciplinary teams, demonstrating strong organisational skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
About us
Welcome to Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Our 4000 clinical and support staff help us to improve mental health wellbeing and meet the needs of the 70,000 people we serve each year. We provide a range of mental healthcare services across Birmingham and Solihull, as well as specialised services nationally. We also offer medical, nursing and psychology training and are proud of our international reputation for both research and innovation.
Our population is culturally diverse, characterised in places by high levels of deprivation which create an increasing demand for our services and a necessity for us to make sure everyone can access the help they need. We are a team of compassionate, inclusive and committed people working together to provide excellent care to support our community. If you are looking for a place to belong, where you can make a real difference to people's lives, join our team where our warm welcome is waiting for you.
Job description Job responsibilities
For further information about the main responsibilities please view the attached job description and person specification.
We highly recommend you submit your application as soon as possible, this post may close earlier than the indicated closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience or training Evidence of training in research methods
Desirable
PhD or equivalent level research experience in appropriate mental health specialities
Experience & skills Essential
Research experience in an appropriate field Experience of working on applied health research programmes in the specialist area
Desirable
Experience of working with racially minoritised communities, neurodivergent individuals or people with lived experience of inpatient mental health services
Special Aptitudes & Abilities Essential
Experience of working with racially minoritised communities, neurodivergent individuals or people with lived experience of mental health services Ability to work to timescales both independently and under supervision
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
Address The Barberry
Vincent Drive
Birmingham
B15 2FG
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.bsmhft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)