Research Associate

The postdoctoral post is funded by Cancer Research UK, and hosted in the OCA Research Centre (www.imperial.ac.uk/ovarian-cancer-action-research-centre )

You will take a lead role in a newly funded multi-disciplinary project grant for early detection of cancer called the Cancer Loyalty Card Study-2 (CLOCS-2). We have hypothesised that changes in purchasing behaviour, primarily an increase in self-medication to treat vague cancer symptoms, may provide a novel avenue for earlier diagnosis for cancer. We will work with two high street retailers and utilise the large existing datasets in their loyalty card programmes from participants who consent to the study. The success applicant will take a lead role in the behavioural science aspects on this newly funded multi-disciplinary project grant for early detection of cancer called the Cancer Loyalty Card Study – 2 (CLOCS-2). The purpose of this post is to investigate the psychosocial factors that facilitate self-care behaviours for non-specific cancer symptoms and to codesign and assess the feasibility of an intervention based on transactional data ‘cancer risk alert’.

You will be a behavioural Scientist who can carry out 1-to-1 interview studies, survey studies, focus groups, co-design workshops and participate in project management and student supervision. They will be expected to submit publications to refereed journals and to attract external research funding.

Research Duties:

• To take initiatives in the planning of research
• To direct the work of small research teams
• To identify and develop suitable techniques, and apparatus, for the collection and analysis of data
• To conduct data analysis
• To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times
• To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
• To write reports for submission to research sponsors
• To present findings to colleagues and at conferences
• To provide guidance to staff and students
• To attend relevant workshops and conferences as necessary
• To develop contacts and research collaborations within the College and the wider community
• To provide guidance to PhD Students
• Contribute to bids for research grants
• To conduct and plan own scientific work with appropriate supervision.

• *Hold a PhD in in Behavioural Science or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research, industrial or commercial experience

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.

• Computer literate with a good knowledge of different computer programs with experience in data presentation and statistical analyses


• Record of publications in peer-reviewed journals


• Ability to conduct a detailed review of recent literature


• Ability to develop and apply new concepts


• Ability to direct the work of a small research team and motivate others to produce a high standard of work

This position is a full time, fixed-term contract for 30 months.

Closing Date: 4th March 2024

Interview Date: 12th – 16th March 2024

The appointed candidate will need to complete an Occupational Health form or health assessment.

Should you require any further details on the role please contact: Dr James Flanagan - [email protected] .

The role is based on-site however discussions of hybrid working can be discussed once appointed.

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