Research Associate

This post is part-time, 17.5 hours per week (0.5FTE) and fixed term for 18 months.

We are seeking to appoint a Research Associate to work on the UniVRse project.

The UniVRse project is funded by the Office for Students as part of the “using innovation and intersectional approaches to target mental health support for students” competition. Further details can be found here: https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/funding-for-providers/mental-health-funding-competition-using-innovation-and-intersectional-approaches/ . 

Social anxiety is a common but debilitating mental health problem amongst students. It is more than simply being ‘shy’ and can instead prevent any and all engagement and attendance in lectures, seminars, and the social aspects of university, which in turn can worsen future employment prospects. First-generation students (FGS) are especially vulnerable to social anxiety in the university context and its negative sequelae due to imposter feelings and worse preparedness. This project will use cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) technology to deliver a cognitive-behaviour based intervention that aims to reduce social anxiety, increase social confidence, and improve educational engagement in socially anxious FGS’. Working with student collaborators and co-developers, we will produce the UniVRse programme where FGS’ will experience virtual simulations of anxiety-invoking university-based situations that will be adapted using graded exposure techniques. This ground-breaking project will deliver and evaluate the UniVRse programme as a ready to use intervention within all universities.

The successful appointee will be involved in all parts of the UniVRse project – from the initial design and development of the VR programme to the evaluation of its effectiveness and dissemination of our findings. The Research Associate will assist the Principal Investigator in arranging and facilitating co-production meetings with the virtual reality programming company and student collaborators. They will be expected to engage and contribute to discussions to help refine ideas and help to produce the final virtual reality programme. They will also be involved in designing and preparing a randomised controlled trial of the virtual reality programme and assist in the trial delivery.

The post holder should have a degree in Psychology or a related discipline. It is expected that you would have some research experience, as well as knowledge of and a passion for mental health and/or virtual reality. Previous experience of co-production is desirable but not essential. Please review the full person specification prior to preparing your application and provide evidence in your supporting statement of how you meeting the person specification criteria.

If you have any questions about the post specifically, please contact Dr Cassie Hazell (Principal Investigator): [email protected] .

To apply for this vacancy please click above. Further information can be found in the job description and person specification, which can be accessed through link below.

At the University of Westminster, diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity are at the core of how we engage with students, colleagues, applicants, visitors and all our stakeholders.

We are fully committed to enabling a supportive and safe learning and working environment which is equitable, diverse and inclusive, is based on mutual respect and trust, and in which harassment and discrimination are neither tolerated nor acceptable.

Interviews are likely to be held on: 5 October 2021

Administrative contact (for queries only): [email protected]