Research Associate (Fixed Term)

The MRC Epidemiology Unit is seeking to appoint a Research Associate.

This position is based in the Unit's Behavioural Epidemiology Programme. The successful candidate will work on an ESRC-funded project aiming to develop a person-based digital intervention to encourage and support UK parents to increase their tolerance of risky play behaviours in 5-11-year-old children. The primary role of this post is to use existing evidence and data and collect new data to study a) the descriptive epidemiology of risky play behaviours in children and parental attitudes to risky play, b) adapt and tailor a digital intervention to reframe parental perceptions on risky play and c) validate a novel measurement instrument of parental tolerance risky play against objectively measured child risky play, and (d) undertake a feasibility study of the new digital intervention. The specific work undertaken will be based on the skills and research interests of the successful candidate and will be determined in consultation following appointment.

Alongside a competitive salary, University staff are eligible for a comprehensive package of benefits and services include discounts on shopping, health care, financial services and public transport. We also offer defined benefits pension schemes and tax-efficient bicycle, car lease and charity-giving schemes.

The MRC Epidemiology Unit is a department within the University of Cambridge's School of Clinical Medicine and is situated within the Institute of Metabolic Science on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. Its mission is to study the genetic, developmental and environmental factors that cause obesity, diabetes and related metabolic disorders and develop strategies for their prevention. The Unit benefits from a number of large-scale, cross programme epidemiological studies with detailed datasets allowing a wide range of research from genetics to public health. Highly experienced information teams and other specialist teams support the scientists in the delivery of their research aims.

The successful candidate will have a qualification in public health, health psychology, behavioural science, or epidemiology. Applicants will have proven experience in quantitative data analysis and/or qualitative/mixed-methods data collection and analysis and have experience in digital intervention development and/or feasibility testing, with expertise in child play, health psychology, epidemiology, health behaviour research and/or accelerometery data.

This is a fixed-term position for 18 months.

The role can be performed as a hybrid position; the number of days in the office can be negotiated.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Please contact Dr Andrea Smith ([email protected] ) for informal enquiries.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and a CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.