Details
1114013
University of Leicester
13/07/2026
Other - See Job
Full-time placement (37.5 hour per week, Monday to Friday). Part-time will also be considered.
Smart Casual
Pay
£16.92
£2.04
Description
Role
The University of Leicester is seeking two motivated Research Assistants to join an 8-week summer research placement within the Stoneygate Centre for Empathic Healthcare, based in the School of Medical Sciences. This opportunity sits within a wider programme of research aimed at improving safety in maternity units and offers an engaging introduction to applied health research methodologies in a leading academic environment.
Working alongside Professor Jeremy Howick and Professor David Wright in an interdisciplinary team, you will contribute to the development of a Core Outcome Set (COS) using COMET methodology. The role provides valuable, hands-on experience in evidence synthesis, stakeholder engagement and consensus methods, including Delphi surveys, supporting those considering future postgraduate study or a career in healthcare research.
Duties and responsibilities
You will support the research team in acquiring, evaluating and interpreting data and specialised information relevant to patient safety in maternity settings. This will include contributing to the development of a Core Outcome Set through structured approaches such as literature searching, data preparation, and the application of consensus techniques including Delphi methods. You will also undertake analyses and critically evaluate findings using agreed research techniques.
In addition, you will summarise and communicate findings to the research team, contribute to research outputs such as journal articles or technical papers, and assist with dissemination activities. The role may also involve supporting research students under supervision and contributing to the wider research environment, ensuring work is carried out to agreed timelines and quality standards.
Skills and experience
You should hold an Honours degree or have equivalent relevant experience, alongside practical knowledge of research methods and the ability to deliver high-quality outputs within agreed deadlines. You will demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, an enthusiasm for research, and a clear ability to contribute effectively within a collaborative team environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, alongside the ability to prioritise tasks and manage competing demands.
Desirable experience includes postgraduate study such as a Master’s degree or current PhD enrolment. A willingness to participate in workshops and conferences to support dissemination of findings is also expected, reflecting the University’s commitment to impactful and inclusive research practice.
Location
Stoneygate Centre for Empathic Healthcare, School of Medical Sciences, George Davies Centre, University of Leicester
Additional information
To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Informal enquiries are welcome, and should be made to Professor Jeremy Howick at empathy@le.ac.uk
Duration: 8 weeks - 13 July 2026 to 6 September 2026
Closing date for applications: Monday 29 June 2026
Unitemps is acting as an Employment Business, supplying temporary workers, in relation to this vacancy.
The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.
As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.
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