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. 

In this role, you will work within the cross-cutting implementation science strand, facilitating the rapid translation of co-produced research into significant improvements in local mental health service provision. 

This will include relational work with diverse partners across health, social care, and community sectors to integrate activities and support the development of local implementation plans and business cases that enable practical application of research evidence. 

You will have good awareness of the current mental health research landscape and a PhD in a related discipline (or equivalent experience). You will work closely with members of the MHRG programme from a wide range of organisations, producing reports, publications and other outputs tailored for different audiences. As such, you will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. You will be well-organised and able to manage multiple work priorities, including co-ordinating regular meetings of the MHRG Implementation Science Steering Group. 

The ideal candidate will have experience in supporting the translation of research evidence into health care service improvements and measuring the impact of these changes. Experience of using implementation tools to facilitate the uptake of evidence-based practices would also be an advantage but is not essential as full training will be provided. Opportunities to support with supervising PhD students within the MHRG may also be available. 

The post will be based at Lancaster Medical School and will involve some travel across the UK.

Lancaster Medical School sits within Lancaster University’s Faculty of Health and Medicine and offers 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. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements and welcome applications from people in all diversity groups.

You will join Lancaster University on an indefinite contract; however, the role remains contingent on external funding, which is currently due to come to an end on 30^th June 2031.

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

Professor Louise Connell: l.connell2@lancaster.ac.uk.

Closing Date: 29 Apr 2026

Department: Research

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

You will have the opportunity to undertake internationally regarded research and share responsibility for elements of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching programmes. You will be awarded a training contract with Health Education England Northwest in the specialist registrar/specialty trainee grade or equivalent and an honorary contract with a relevant NHS Trust*.

One post is in the NIHR priority theme of digital research. The theme is looking to encourage training and research around the development and delivery of digital health and care interventions, digital research methodology and ‘big data’ analysis Research could include the use of Artificial Intelligence and machine-learning approaches and emerging digital technologies such as non-contact sensors, smartphones, and computer tablets. This theme could also include research in data analytics and predictive analytics, precision medicine (genomics), and virtual & augmented reality. This theme is focused on delivering equitable, cost-effective digital health interventions to deliver patient benefits as well as the wider use of large data sets and how this is used in research, including digital analysis methods.

There may be the potential for opportunities in other GMC registered specialties if research interests align with faculty strengths. 

To be eligible, you must hold (or have submitted) your PhD/MD at the time you apply; and must have been fully awarded your degree by 30 September 2026.  You must hold a current National Training Number (NTN) in the relevant specialty and be more than 12 months prior to CCT at time of appointment* (*not relevant for GP candidate). 

The research element of the post will be based in the Faculty of Health and Medicine at Lancaster University. The clinical component will be centered around clinical settings in Lancashire and the surrounding area. 

You must be able to take up the post by 30 September 2026

Application is via our online portal at https://hr-jobs.lancs.ac.uk/ and must include the following attachments:

1. A Curriculum Vitae
2. NIHR Supplementary Questions for candidates form (attached): 

*Please refer to appendix 2 of this document*

Interview date will be advertised in due course, but the successful candidate must be in post by 30 September 2026.

Lancaster University is committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offers a range of family-friendly policies. The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN and has held a bronze award since 2008. The Faculty of Health and Medicine gained the silver award in 2013. We are committed to being an inclusive university that values all staff, and we are happy to consider job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our employees.

General enquiries should be made to Dr Amy Gadoud (Academic Training Programme Director and Consultant in Palliative Medicine), email: a.gadoud@lancaster.ac.uk or Beth Whittaker (ICAT Programme Manager), email: b.whittaker@lancaster.ac.uk

Closing Date: 18 Jul 2026

Department: Research

Salary: Clinical Academic Pay Scales