By Adam Stewart Research Assistant, CO-ACTION
Six months ago, I started my first post-doctoral research role at the University of Plymouth. After completing a PhD in Psychology and working in NHS mental health services, I joined the CO-ACTION project, an NIHR-funded study focused on supporting people with multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs). It’s my first experience of healthcare research, and, as it turns out, quite different from what I expected.
This blog shares a few reflections from these early months. It’s written with fellow early career researchers in mind, especially those considering a move into applied health research or wondering what to expect when stepping into a large, multi-site project. I can’t offer a checklist or formula (I’m still working it out myself), but I hope some of this feels familiar or reassuring.
From the Lab to the Living Room
Before I started, I imagined healthcare research would be tightly controlled: predefined protocols, linear timelines, and a lot of statistical analysis. My previous research involved experiments with psychology undergraduates, where running structured studies in laboratory conditions meant most variables were within reach. Applied health research, as I’ve discovered, is a bit less like that.
Instead, I’ve found a more flexible, responsive process. There’s still rigor, of course, and plenty of structure, but also space to adapt as we go, particularly in response to what we learn from the people involved. That flexibility was surprising at first. It took some time to get used to not always knowing exactly what’s coming next, but I’ve started to feel more at home with the unknowns. Research, it turns out, doesn’t always move in a straight line, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Uncertainty, Collaboration, and Other Learning Curves
One of the key parts of my role has been engaging with stakeholders, including people living with MLTCs, carers, health professionals, and community organisations. This has included facilitating focus groups and community events, often in quite informal settings. It’s been an opportunity to listen and learn directly from people whose voices are often missing in research conversations.
At the same time, I’ve had to get comfortable with not having all the answers. Designing an intervention collaboratively means sitting with uncertainty for longer than I was used to. There’s a balance to be struck between being open to ideas and needing to move the project forward. I’ve learned that regular and open communication, especially with a team spread across the country, goes a long way. So does reminding yourself that uncertainty is part of the process, not a sign that things are going wrong.
Methods, Identity, and Finding My Place
This role has also opened up a wider view of what research can look like. I’ve had the chance to explore methods I hadn’t encountered before, such as realist approaches, systematic review, co-design, and patient and public involvement. I’ve also started to reflect on which methods I find most meaningful and want to develop further. There’s something valuable about being in a role that allows you to try things out, especially if you’re still figuring out what kind of researcher you want to be.
If you’re considering a similar role, or just starting out in one, it’s okay not to have it all figured out. You’ll find your footing, often by doing, sometimes by asking, and occasionally by reminding yourself that nobody else has all the answers either.
I’d be lying if I said I never felt behind. Like many early career researchers, I’ve worried about whether I know enough, whether I’m contributing enough, whether I’m doing it “right.” But I’m starting to see that learning on the job is not only acceptable, it’s expected. And working in a supportive team makes a big difference. I’ve been encouraged to ask questions, take initiative, and reflect on what I want to get out of the role as well as what I can bring to it.
Looking Ahead
I still have a lot to learn, and I expect that won’t change any time soon. But six months in, I feel more confident navigating the space between structure and uncertainty, more comfortable contributing to conversations I used to find intimidating, and more curious than ever about where this path might lead.