The University of Manchester
Research Associate

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Are you a qualitative or mixed methods researcher? Do you want to work with an enthusiastic group of world-leading researchers on a new Arthritis UK Consortium to address critical gaps in existing knowledge? We are seeking an enthusiastic researcher to join the University of Manchester as a Post-Doctoral Research Associate, working within Workstream 1: Health Inequalities.
This is a new and exciting opportunity to join the Arthritis UK Consortium “Better Lives, Safer Journey”, a major UK-wide research initiative funded by Arthritis UK. The consortium brings together leading academic institutions—including Manchester, Oxford, Aberdeen, Keele, and Nottingham—to deliver impactful research aimed at improving lives and making journeys through musculoskeletal care safer.
- Contribute to a nationally significant research programme with real-world impact.
- Help build and support communities of practice, engage with patient partners, and contribute to knowledge mobilisation across the consortium.
- Work in a role that offers variety, autonomy, and the chance to grow, with opportunities to shape how the role evolves over time.
- Working closely with patient partners and the wider consortium, the postholder will help ensure that quantitative research is well aligned with consortium priorities, bringing a clear health inequalities perspective.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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As a Post-Doctoral Research Associate, you’ll be part of a collaborative, supportive, and forward-thinking team based at the University of Manchester. You’ll work alongside researchers, clinicians, patient partners, and knowledge mobilisation specialists to help shape the future of musculoskeletal research.
About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:
Essential Criteria
- A PhD in epidemiology, psychology, sociology, public health, or a related discipline.
- Experience contributing to understanding the impact of health inequalities on important outcomes in those living with a rheumatic and musculoskeletal condition.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working closely with patient partners and the wider consortium.
The post is part-time and will be based at the Centre for Musculoskeletal Research (CfMR), Centre for Epidemiology, University of Manchester, UK.
Our benefits include:
- Generous employer contribution pension
- 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
- Ride to work and EV car scheme available


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For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.
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Enquiries About The Role, Shortlisting And Interviews
Name: Prof Suzan Verstappen
Email Address: Suzanne.verstappen@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries and administrative support
recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Technical and job portal support
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
Applications close at midnight on the closing date.
Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.
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