Postdoctoral Research Associate (R77389)

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements.

This role may be subject to additional background screening.

This new part-time post is available from 03/10/2022 on a fixed term basis until 31/03/2023

Please note that as of 1st September 2022 our colleges and schools will be moving into a new structure which will consist of the following three Faculties – Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, (to include the Medical School),  Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, and Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.

Summary of the role

The post

The Faculty wishes to recruit a part-time Postdoctoral Research Associate to support the work of the CHERC team, including Prof Craig Williams, Dr Samantha van Beurden, and Dr Owen Tomlinson. This National Institute for Health Research (Research for Patient Benefit) funded post is available from the 3rd of October 2022 until the 31st of March 2023, with a possible extension subject to funding. 

The post will include a variety of tasks to aid the running of a feasibility randomised controlled trial of a digital physical activity intervention for young people with cystic fibrosis. As this role will involve working with children under 16yrs Disclosure and Barring Services checks will be required. The successful candidate will, with support from the wider team, maintain regulatory approvals, manage the day-to-day recruitment and randomisation of participants, conduct both quantitative (i.e., accelerometer data and questionnaires) and qualitative data (i.e., semi-structured interviews) collection and analysis, liaise with stakeholders (i.e., patients, caregivers, cystic fibrosis clinic staff, and Beam) in the interpretation of the findings, and support dissemination.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to conduct both quantitative and qualitative research, and present information on research progress and outcomes to different audiences.

Applicants will possess an undergraduate degree in psychology, sport science, or similar/appropriate field and a relevant PhD (or be nearing completion) in behaviour change, health services research or a related field of study. Applicants will be able to work independently and communicate and collaborate effectively with other members of the team and external stakeholders to support the feasibility evaluation of the Teens on Beam intervention. Good applicants will have knowledge of and/or experience in 1) research concerning complex interventions and in the wider discipline of health services research, 2) qualitative interviewing and analysis skills, 3) physical activity measurement, 4) working with younger populations as participants, 5) engaging patient and public involvement groups in research development, and 6) evidence of prior related research activity.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly

• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and QS World University Ranking 2022).  

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. More than 99% of our research is of international quality and our world-leading research impact is growing faster than any other Russell Group university (2021 Research Excellence Framework). We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City .

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Benefits

We offer some fantastic benefits including: 

• 41 days leave per year
• options for flexible working
• numerous discounts at leading retailers
• onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
• sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to six weeks full pay) and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
• stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England

Further information

Please contact Dr Samantha van Beurden via email [email protected]

The College is proud to have a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment and impact to providing equality of opportunity and advancing the representation of women in STEM/M subjects.  Our Inspiring Stories tell you more about how we support our staff, including through a mentoring programme to help our staff learn from the professional and life experience of colleagues and explore opportunities and actions for career progression.