Turn passion into purpose. We are seeking a dynamic and motivated Research Fellow to join the London South Bank University (LSBU)’s College of Health and Life Sciences at LSBU. Working in either Public Health or Psychology., this is an exciting opportunity for an early-to-mid career researcher with a strong interest in developing grant income and delivering high quality research.
The successful candidate will play a key role in identifying, developing, and submitting high-quality research funding applications addressing
one of the following pre-defined research areas;
Trauma-Informed Mental Health Innovations (Lead: Prof Paula Reavey; reaveyp@lsbu.ac.uk)
This project will explore a programme of trauma-informed research exploring alternatives to seclusion, eating disorders, and rights-based approaches to sexuality in secure mental health settings. The successful candidate will be part of the Lived Experience of Distress (LEOD) research group, an internationally recognised team committed to understanding mental health through lived experience, social context, and the impact of structural inequalities. LEOD offers a supportive, collaborative environment with strong mentoring and a clear focus on career progression. The fellow will contribute to high-quality research, lead competitive grant applications (e.g. NIHR, Wellcome), and play a key role in delivering projects developed through successful funding bids. Applicants are encouraged to contact the lead academic to discuss projects if they have any queries.
Health, Wellbeing and the Environment (Lead: Prof Susie Sykes; sykess@lsbu.ac.uk)
This project investigates how natural, built and social environments can be shaped to promote health and wellbeing and reduce inequalities. The Research Fellow will work collaboratively across disciplines to develop and lead competitive funding bids focused on environmental determinants of health, sustainability, and place-based equity. They will contribute to building an ambitious programme of applied, policy-relevant research within the Health and Wellbeing Research Centre. The role suits candidates with expertise in public health, geography, planning, architecture, public policy, or related fields, and strong skills in interdisciplinary, policy analysis, participatory or systems research. An experienced researcher with expertise in grant development, and partnership working with local authorities, voluntary sector or community organisations will be highly advantageous.
Nicotine. Tobacco and Vaping. (Lead: Dr Catherine Kimber; kimberc3@lsbu.ac.uk )
This project offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a programme of research focused on tobacco harm reduction and reducing health inequalities, particularly among underserved populations. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting and delivering this research programme. They will contribute to the development, trialling and evaluation of smoking cessation interventions for the target groupsupporting grant applications, delivering and managing individual research projects, and building collaborative partnerships with external stakeholders. This programme of work will align with the work of the NTV-RG, as well as national health priorities and funding calls, driving policy-relevant research to improve public health and shape future directions in tobacco harm reduction.
Applicants are invited to contact the leads about specific research areas.
Applicants should specify the research area of interest in their cover letter.
The role
You will work closely with academic colleagues, research support staff, and external partners to build collaborative networks and deliver competitive proposals to UKRI, NIHR, EU Horizon, and other major funders. As bids are won, you will also lead on the delivery of the research programmes themselves and subsequent dissemination.
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
- An established Research Fellow with who is passionate about research impact and innovation.
- Experienced in developing or contributing to successful grant applications.
- Skilled in project management, academic writing, and stakeholder engagement.
- Able to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Benefits and How to Apply:
As a leading Higher Education Institution LSBU offers staff a highly competitive benefits package including holiday entitlement starting at 26.5 days per annum, professional development opportunities and flexible working. Full details on the range of benefits we offer can be found here.
The full person specification for this role alongside applicant guidance on what to submit within your application can be found within the candidate pack attached. Applications must be submitted via the &slshquot;Apply Online&slshquot; button below.
For an informal conversation ahead of applying please feel free to contact the hiring manager for this position, Prof Daniel Frings, Associate Dean (Research and Innovation, College of Health and Life Sciences; fringsd@lsbu.ac.uk ) for general enquiries, or the project leads (noted above) for project specific questions.
The closing date for applications is
Sunday 4
th January 2026 at 23:59.
Interview/assessment - week commencing
26th January 2026
We are happy to talk flexible working and reasonable adjustments and aim to make our recruitment and selection process accessible to all, please contact us to discuss any support you need. The diversity of LSBU’s staff and students is a source of our strength and the richness of ideas and perspectives that this diversity brings makes LSBU a unique place to work.
Depending on your circumstances, this role may be eligible for sponsorship under the UKVI Skilled Worker route, more details on this can be found within the candidate pack.
If you have any questions related to your application, please email the recruitment team hrdsr@lsbu.ac.uk
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early, should we receive sufficient applications.
