Job summary
We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant / Research Fellow to join our team based in Plymouth.

This position is for 22.5 hours per week on a fixed-term contract for 12 months.

As a Research Assistant, you will support the delivery of a mixed-methods evaluation of the Plymouth Dental Education Practice, as well as associated knowledge exchange activities in alignment with the social mission of Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise (PDSE). You will support dissemination activities, contribute to collaborative working and ensure that all research activity is delivered to a high standard, enhancing the reputation of PDSE, the Dental School, and the University.

Main duties of the job
As a Research Fellow, you will lead the mixed-methods evaluation of the Plymouth Dental Education Practice, alongside wider research and knowledge exchange activities within a defined field of study aligned with the social mission of PDSE. You will lead publications arising from the evaluation, support collaborative partnerships and ensure that all research activity is delivered to a high standard, enhancing the reputation of PDSE, the Dental School, and the University.

This RA/RF post presents an excellent opportunity to develop your interests in public health and oral health inequalities.

The project aims to:

• Evaluate the impact of the new Plymouth Dental Education Practice on oral health-related quality of life among the population it serves.
• Explore the experiences and perspectives of key stakeholders, including patients, staff, and students.
• Explore the wider social and economic co-benefits of improved oral health, including the monetary value associated with improved oral health outcomes.

You will work within a multidisciplinary team comprising clinicians, health services researchers, methodologists, patients, students, and other stakeholders. This programme adopts an inclusive and mixed-methods approach to generating evidence on oral health-related quality of life, stakeholder experience, and the broader social and economic impacts of improved oral health outcomes.

About us
PDSE is an award-winning Social Enterprise and Community Interest Company. We provide NHS treatment and outreach services to local communities in Devon and Cornwall and we work closely with the University of Plymouths Peninsula Dental School to support the clinical education of its dental healthcare students.

As a social enterprise, we are a values driven organisation with a focus on patient-centred care and addressing local oral health needs.

Details
Date posted: 11 August 2026
Pay scheme: Other
Salary: £41,699 to £49,167 a year
Dependant on role
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Part-time
Reference number: P0007-26-0035
Job locations: Damerel Close, Madden Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 4JZ, United Kingdom; Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise, 20 Research Way, Plymouth Science Park, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 8BT, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities
The post presents an excellent opportunity for you to develop your interests in public health and oral health inequalities. You will work with a multi-disciplinary team comprising clinicians, health service researchers, methodologists, patients, and other stakeholders. Our work centres on community engagement and outreach to better understand the oral health needs of vulnerable population groups and their access to care.

In alignment with PDSEs social mission, you will contribute to the evaluation of the new PDSE Dental Education Practice. The project aims to:

• Evaluate the impact of the new PDSE Practice on oral health-related quality of life within the population it serves.
• Explore the experiences and perspectives of key stakeholders, including patients, staff, and students.
• Explore the co-benefits of improved oral health in monetary terms.

Key accountabilities:
Researcher responsibilities (General)
Ensuring that research and all related activity is of the highest standard and enhances the reputation of PDSE, the Dental School and University, supporting the wider Universitys mission of being a research informed institution.

Completion of internal training and participating in relevant training opportunities, conferences and networks including engaging with relevant professional bodies and community organisations to support their work and inform research projects in the University.

Contributing to the successful delivery of research in partnership with colleagues and wider collaborators.

Ensuring adherence to good research practice guidelines. time, resource and budget allocations, and ethical approvals.

Analyse the outputs of research; ensure that learnings are used to inform research processes.

Contribute to the preparation of high-quality publication materials for referred journals, presenting results at conferences (including national and international), or exhibiting work at other appropriate events.

Work with others as a team member, developing productive relationships with other staff and leading where agreed.

Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Demonstrable research experience.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Peninsula Dental Social Enterprise CIC is an equal opportunities employer.