Research Assistant/ Associate - Behavioural And Social Science

Salary:Research Assistant: £31,396 to £32,332 per annumResearch Associate: £33,966 to £44,263 per annumNewcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent . We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.Closing Date: 26 June 2024The RoleWe are looking for ambitious researchers with flexible methodological skills to join our multidisciplinary team in the NIHR Policy Research Unit (PRU) in Behavioural and Social Sciences.We work at the intersection of research and policy, collaborating closely with the Department for Health and Social Care to inform current and future government policy. We use a range of behavioural science evidence, theory and methods, and often work on time- or politically-sensitive topics. We are looking for people who are strong communicators and have an interest in applying behavioural science to a range of health and Social care contexts.The role will provide an opportunity to network with colleagues across the unit, which is a collaboration between Newcastle University, University College London, University of Warwick, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Bedfordshire University. We have a collaborating network of experts in public health and public and patient involvement and engagement (PPIE).We provide a great range of benefits and discounts for all colleagues at Newcastle University, including the opportunity for blended working and flexible hours.You can learn more about what is available on our Benefits Website page.There are two full-time (37 hours per week) fixed term posts available, one post for 12 months and another running until 31 December 2028For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Emily Oliver or Professor Falko Sniehotta. Email:The BehSocSci PRU is based within Newcastle University’s Population Health Sciences Institute and is committed to supporting equality and diversity for all staff and students.Applications for part time/flexible working will be considered; please state your desired working arrangements in your application.Key Accountabilities

• To apply behavioural science knowledge, theory and methods to all stages of the research process
• To develop research protocols, gain ethics approvals, set up and manage effective study procedures
• To engage in a range of quantitative, qualitative, and review-based methodologies to collect and analyse data
• We are particularly interested in anyone with experience of working on clinical research or with clinical stakeholders
• To manage multiple projects and datasets, and plan and coordinate meetings associated with the research
• To contribute to rapid response mode projects as required
• To prepare progress reports and policy briefs as required and identify research priorities for the PRU Behavioural and Social Sciences work packages
• To write journal articles for publication in high quality, peer review journals and to give presentations to policy makers, other stakeholders and to scientific audiences
• To contribute to the general running of the PRU, and any other additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post

You will also contribute to the following:

• Co-production approaches to defining policy problems for projects
• Helping to organise and deliver knowledge exchange and engagement events, including developing and leading workshops for the Department of Health and Social Care
• People exchange, including supervising and supporting practitioners who will work within the Policy Research Unit Dissemination and briefings

The PersonKnowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience of applying behavioural science methods, techniques, theories and frameworks to research on human behaviour
• Experience of conducting at least two of the following: theory-based qualitative research, theory-based quantitative research, experimental studies, systematic reviews/evidence synthesis
• Experience of applied health or social care services research
• Experience of successful multidisciplinary collaboration, including with non academic stakeholders
• Experience of communicating research to a range of audiences including non academic groups
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience of managing research projects including ethical and reporting processes
• A track-record of peer-reviewed outputs

Attributes and Behaviour

• An ability to travel to meetings and events outside of Newcastle University in other centres of this and other PRUs and to the DHSC
• Commitment to Newcastle University Equality Strategy

Qualifications

• Research Associate - PhD in a behavioural science or related area exploring behaviour change. We will consider those at final stages of completion/submission of their PhD – those nearing completion or awaiting viva would be offered the post as Research Assistant until confirmation of their PhD
• Research Assistant - An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject such as behaviour change, health psychology, public health, health sciences, or Social Sciences and demonstrable experience of working in a research role
• Desirable
• Master’s degree in an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject such as behaviour change, health psychology, public health, health sciences, or Social Sciences

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.At Newcastle University we hold a silver award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.Requisition ID: 26565