Research Associate in Social Science

Job description

Applications are invited for a full-time Research Associate in Social Science in the Department of Population Health Sciences within the School of Life Course and Population Health Sciences.  

The post holder will initially develop research projects exploring the development and professionalisation of the clinical research workforce, and the development of an embedded research culture within the NHS. Over the course of this three year post, the post holder will be supported to develop their own research agenda, design and deliver research projects and apply for external funding. 

The post holder will join a team of social science researchers embedded within the Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).  Using social science to examine how translational research is accomplished, researchers in this group explore key issues around the organisation of research within the NHS and NHS-university partnerships, the creation and circulation of value in the bioeconomy, how everyday research practices feed into the production of knowledge, the relations of power within research labour and infrastructures, research impact, research culture, inclusivity in research design and delivery, and patient and public involvement. 

The post holder will have completed a PhD in a social science discipline. They will be comfortable drawing on theoretical approaches from medical anthropology, sociology and/or science and technology studies in their research, and have experience and expertise in qualitative research methods. They will be someone who thrives in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, but, with support, is able to work independently, solve problems and deliver research to tight deadlines.   

With this role’s focus, in part, on the clinical research workforce and research culture, an interest in research practices and research on research is essential.  

King’s is committed to fostering an environment of equality, diversity and inclusion.  

This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract until 31st May 2025 

This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent / 35 hours per week

Key responsibilities

•        Develop research projects on the clinical research workforce and embedded research culture  

•        Support the development of this programme of work through preparation of research grant applications in collaboration with BRC/King’s College London colleagues 

•        Develop their own research agenda and apply for external funding (for example, through a fellowship scheme) 

•        Collect and analyse data  

•        Lead and contribute to articles for publication in high quality peer reviewed journals 

•        To disseminate findings through presentations at relevant and high profile research meetings and conferences 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria 

1.      PhD in a relevant social science discipline (for example, sociology, anthropology, science and technology studies)

2.      Demonstrable experience in a range of qualitative techniques, including interview and participant observation

3.      Experience of designing and managing research projects  

4.      Evidence of writing high quality papers for peer review publication and presenting research at meetings or conferences 

5.      Keen interest in at least one of the following: medical research practices/ research on research/ research culture/ professions/ labour practices/ the organisation and everyday activities of research systems 

6.      Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, actively addressing areas of potential bias 

Desirable criteria

1.      Previous research on the clinical research workforce and/or research on research

2.      Experience of working in a clinical research environment

3.      Experience of engaging in multidisciplinary research projects 

4.      Experience of supporting the development and submission of funding proposals 

Candidates are strongly encouraged to specifically address the essential criteria outlined in the Person Specification in their covering letter.

Further information

The School of Life Course & Population Sciences is one of six Schools that make up the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine at King’s College London. The School unites over 400 experts in women and children’s health, diabetes, nutritional sciences, population health and the molecular genetics of human disease. Our research links the causes of common health problems to life’s landmark stages, treating life, disease and healthcare as a continuum. We are interdisciplinary by nature and this innovative approach works: 91 per cent of our research submitted to the Subjects Allied to Medicine (Pharmacy, Nutritional Sciences and Women's Health cluster) for REF 2014 was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. We use this expertise to teach the next generation of health professionals and research scientists. Based across King’s Denmark Hill, Guy’s, St Thomas’ and Waterloo campuses, our academic programme of teaching, research and clinical practice is embedded across six Departments  

About the Faculty:   https://www.kcl.ac.uk/lsm/index.aspx