About the role
The primary function of the role is to work on a social prescribing project as a research assistant. The role will work across the process evaluation and qualitative workstreams of the SP-EU project (see below). Based in the Community and Primary Care Research Centre (CPCRC).
Experience of health services research, working as part of a process evaluation alongside a trial of complex intervention or similar, or qualitative research, implementation research, potentially with an international component.
Background to project: Social Prescribing (SP) is an innovative way of bridging the gap between health services and non-medical support. It is based on the understanding that many health issues are related to social, emotional or practical needs – like loneliness, isolation, or problems with debt or housing. These challenges cannot be solved by medicine or doctors alone. Through social prescribing, general practitioners (GPs) can refer patients to a link worker — someone who spends time getting to know the patient and helps them find the right community activities or services, such as exercise classes, social clubs, or advice services. This kind of support helps people build confidence, reduce isolation, and take control of their own health. Social prescribing helps to address barriers that people face in finding support in their community. It is an approach that integrates health care, social support, and strengthens community orientation. It can therefore mitigate the effects of the social determinants of health-on-health outcomes.
You will hold a first degree or equivalent in health services or related subject. Experience of research in a related field. You will also have demonstrable experience of working to deadlines and health services research/social prescribing or related subject. Experience of undertaking applied qualitative and / or quantitative research projects is essential.
For an informal discussion to find out more about the role please contact Kerryn Husk at kerryn.husk@plymouth.ac.uk
This is a part-time position working up to 22.2 hours per week on a fixed-term basis, starting January 2026 for 30 months due to funding.
Interviews are likely to take place online during week commencing Monday 22 September 2025 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.
For more information on Peninsula Medical School please visit our dedicated webpage at https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools
For this role, you will need to be on site 1 days a week. Although we can acommodate working from home for this role, flexibility to be on-site will be expected due to business needs.
For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.
About us
The Faculty of Health holds four Silver Athena Swan awards, which recognise our commitment to supporting gender equality within higher education.
The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our three strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.
Application Process
Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.
Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.
Our Offer
Staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria.
When joining us, you will receive:
*Pro rata if part-time
A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.
Additional Information
The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background. To find out more about our inclusive community initiatives, such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter, please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages.