We are seeking a Research Fellow to support the NIHR ARC Wessex – Mental Health Hub project entitled Social Prescribing Link Workers framework: supporting complex needs of adults living with physical and mental health long term conditions until 31^st March 2026. It is an exciting opportunity to be involved in interdisciplinary research seeking to develop a framework to optimise social prescribing services in the community to support the long-term management of complex needs of adults with physical and mental health long-term conditions (LTCs).

The Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) Wessex is an organisation funded by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) with a remit to support applied health and care research that responds to, and meets, the needs of local populations and local health and care systems. The NIHR ARC Wessex is one of 15 ARCs across England, which aims to improve the health and care of patients and the public within and beyond the Wessex region.

Our ARC conducts applied health research to improve patient outcomes; quality, delivery and efficiency of health and care services; increase the sustainability of health and care systems through collaborative partnership.

Through this project we are looking to design a consistent social prescribing link workers framework that sets out sustainable and integrated pathway for optimising social prescribing services in the community, to support the long-term management of complex needs of adults with physical and mental health LTCs, including those living in deprived areas across Hampshire.

The successful candidate will work with the team to achieve the objectives and be responsible for the day-to-day study management and delivery regarding evidence review and data synthesis as well as data collection through an expert panel. Particularly, following existing evidence and the design of the standardised SPLW framework, you will organize and lead an expert panel with key stakeholders (e.g., SPLWs, GPs, academics, PPIE) to discuss and reach consensus on the final version of the framework. Experience is required with organising and developing discussion groups involving key stakeholders, including PPIE and those living in deprived areas. You will be part of an interdisciplinary team across the ARC Wessex LTC Theme, and the School of Health Sciences who will work and collaborate closely with stakeholders from primary care practices in the region.

Education and skills required

• PhD* or equivalent professional qualifications and experience in management of Long Term Conditions.
• Significant experience with reviewing and synthesizing key evidence of a research area, including government and organization/charity guidance.
• Experience organizing and developing discussion groups involving key stakeholders, including PPIE and those living in deprived areas.
• Track record of published research.

* Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

Salary and relevant information:

This is a 0.2 FTE based at NIHR ARC Wessex Mental Health Hub, University of Southampton, with salary compatible with a Level 4 Post-Doctoral Research position.

The employing organisation is the University of Southampton, which offers a competitive salary, pension scheme and other benefits.

 For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Professor Mari Carmen Portillo - m.c.portillo-vega@soton.ac.uk