Research Fellow

Salary

Grade 7 (£40,266 - £45,147 per annum, pro rata)

Basis

Part time

Job category/type

Research

Date posted

16/06/2026

Job reference

R8142

Fixed term for 8 months, part time 0.6 FTE

We are seeking a Research Fellow in Commercial Innovation to lead a groundbreaking project between the University of Huddersfield and Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice.

Children’s hospices across the UK face unprecedented financial pressure. This project will shape the future sustainability of the sector by identifying, evaluating, and developing new mission-aligned commercial opportunities that strengthen financial resilience and support vital care and support for children and families now and in the future.

If you want to apply research to real-world social impact, influence sector-wide practice, and work at the intersection of innovation, business planning and social care, this is a unique opportunity.

As our Research Fellow, you will:

• Lead feasibility studies and market research across multiple commercial concepts.
• Conduct competitor analysis using frameworks such as STEEPLED, Porter’s Five Forces and stakeholder mapping.
• Undertake financial modelling, ROI assessments and analysis of regulatory, governance and operational requirements.
• Develop investment-ready business plans for presentation at Board level.
• Adapt and refine an innovation-ecosystem model for the hospice sector.
• Engage with stakeholders including families, staff, volunteers, sector bodies and external partners.
• Facilitate knowledge-exchange workshops and consultation sessions.
• Produce sector-facing reports, practice guides, and dissemination outputs.
• Co-author academic publications related to commercial innovation in health and social care.
• Support the development of a REF impact case and future funding bids.
• Contribute to teaching and supervision of students where appropriate.

You will hold a PhD in Business, Marketing, Innovation Studies, Social Science or a related field and you will be supported by an experienced academic team led by Professor Shona Bettany and DR Adam Dennett within a vibrant, collaborative partnership between a leading university and an innovative, pioneering hospice.

This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Regular status checks may also be required, depending on your role.

The University is deeply committed to equality and diversity for all its students and staff. We seek to be diverse and inclusive, supporting individuals and groups to fulfil their potential and nurture a sense of belonging. We strive to be an accessible, inclusive employer, removing barriers for all. Find out more about our approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, including our commitments and accreditations as a Disability Confident Leader, Top 100 Employer, Athena Swan Silver Award holder and Race Equality Charter Bronze Award holder.

Informal enquiries are welcome to Professor Shona Bettany, [email protected]

If you are a current student at the University, you are welcome to apply for part-time roles of 16 hours or less per week, unless you are a part-time postgraduate student, in which case you can also apply for full time roles, subject to any visa requirements.

For more information, please download the recruitment pack.