We are seeking a Co‑Lead to help guide our Research Capacity Development workstream and contribute to our mission of building a thriving, research‑active workforce across health and care in the East of England.
The role will commence on 1 April 2026, aligning with the launch of the new NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) East of England.
The Research Capacity Development Co-Lead role requires an average commitment of 0.20 per week and will be responsible for leading our flagship Research Fellowship programme, including overseeing its evaluation, ongoing development, and strategic direction; attending relevant internal and external meetings; and overseeing the delivery of other key capacity-building initiatives.
This role plays a vital part in shaping our capacity development strategy, working alongside the Research Capacity Development Lead, Dr Naoko Kishita, and providing mentorship and support to early and mid‑career researchers across the ARC East of England.
Essential experience for this role
- A post with University of Cambridge, University of East Anglia, University of Hertfordshire, University of Essex or Anglia Ruskin University is required due to contractual arrangements.
- A PhD in health sciences, social sciences, health or care research, science communication, healthcare policy, psychology, management or a related discipline.
- Proven track record of providing strategic input and leading capacity building initiatives in a health, care and/or academic setting and contributing to funding applications.
- Proven experience in successfully delivering programmes across complex, multi-organisational environments.
- Experience of budget and resource management and oversight.
- Supervision of PhD students to completion of their studies as the main supervisor and experience in supporting the career development of early-career and mid-career researchers working in a university setting.
- Understand research careers, both clinical and non-clinical, ideally demonstrating a good understanding of the NIHR Academy RCD agenda.
- Evidence of highly developed communication and interpersonal skills plus experience of working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders, and the ability to build and maintain these relationships.
- Good working knowledge of the NIHR research infrastructure and initiatives.
For full details, including the application process, please click here.
Deadlines for applications are Monday 9th February 2026.
Interviews will be held virtually on Friday 6th March 2026.
Contact information
For any informal inquiries, please contact the ARC East of England's Research Capacity Development Lead, Dr Naoko Kishita, at N.Kishita@uea.ac.uk.