Job requirements
Requirements from the employer’s person specification. These describe the role, not your personal match.
Essential
2 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Qualifications
Relevant degree level (psychology, social science, health care) or equivalent.
- Qualifications
Relevant postgraduate qualification or equivalent (or working towards
Desirable
1 listedAdditional qualities the employer would prefer.
- Qualifications
PhD in a relevant and related field
Job summary
We are looking for a Research Associate to join the Mental Health Learning Systems project, a collaboration between Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Plymouth.
You'll work as part of a research team embedded within local mental health services, helping to develop and answer service evaluation and research questions that support needs-led and inclusive care.
Working closely with clinicians, managers, researchers, people with lived experience and other stakeholders, you will contribute to the co-design of research and service evaluation activity, with a particular focus on qualitative methods. You will be involved in participant recruitment, data collection, qualitative interviewing, analysis, interpretation and write-up, as well as knowledge mobilisation and dissemination of findings.
This is a varied role requiring strong qualitative research skills, excellent communication and the ability to build effective relationships across clinical and academic environments.
The role will involve travel to clinical bases across Somerset and occasional travel to Plymouth and other locations.
Interviews have been scheduled for the 1st October.
Main duties of the job
The Research Associate will contribute to the design and delivery of qualitative research and service evaluation within Somerset mental health services.
Key duties will include identifying and recruiting eligible participants; undertaking sensitive qualitative interviews and observational or ethnographic data collection; analysing qualitative data using appropriate methods; and contributing to the interpretation, write-up and dissemination of findings.
The post holder will work with clinicians, managers, researchers, service users, carers, voluntary sector partners and other stakeholders to co-design service evaluation questions and research activity. They will also contribute to the development and evaluation of knowledge mobilisation approaches.
The role includes maintaining accurate study records, supporting ethical and governance processes, contributing to reports, publications, presentations and funding applications, and ensuring research is conducted in line with relevant governance, ethical and regulatory requirements.
The post holder will manage their own workload, take responsibility for specific elements of research activity and work independently within the wider research team.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
- Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
- NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
- Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
- A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Details
- Date posted: 20 August 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 6
- Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year
- Contract: Fixed term
- Duration: 4 years
- Working pattern: Part-time
- Reference number: 184-OL-PU-5714
- Job locations: Musgrove Park Hospital, Musgrove Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 5DA, United Kingdom
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more information about the role.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Research Associate (Mental Health) with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust in Taunton, England. It is listed as a Band 6 Mental health professionals role. The advertised salary is £39959.00 to £48117.00. The contract type is Fixed-Term. The application deadline is 20 Sep 2026.
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