Exciting and unique opportunity with the Institute of Health Visiting and the University of East Anglia on a National NIHR research study.

We are seeking an ambitious, enthusiastic Research Associate (RA) with experience in public health research to join the Institute of Health Visiting (iHV) for a fixed-term period of 12 months to support the delivery of the BabyBreathe NIHR Trial in the North-East of England site. The post is available from mid-February 2022 to cover the maternity leave of the current RA.  The research is grant funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) working within the North-East of England. All work can be carried out remotely through home working, so the successful candidate can be based anywhere in the UK.

The Research Associate will be supporting a randomised trial of a postpartum relapse prevention intervention developed through an early phase intervention development study. The post holder will work as part of a team alongside Vicky Gilroy as the Principal Investigator for the North-East site from the iHV, supported by a team of experts in smoking cessation, and working with the trial manager as part of the Norwich Clinical Trials Unit as part of the University of East Anglia.

The individual would need to be dynamic, proactive, flexible and have the ability to work independently. They will be required to contribute to all elements of the research, this will include: helping to conduct literature reviews and evidence syntheses; supporting the development of study protocols and materials (e.g. interview topic guides and questionnaires); managing applications for ethical approvals; helping to deliver the training intervention; conducting data collection and analysis; contributing to research write up. Given the mixed-methods nature of the planned research, this post would suit someone with strong and demonstrable qualitative and quantitative research skills.

Key Requirements

Applicants should have a relevant master’s in a health or social science, and it is desirable to have completed or near-completed a PhD in Health Sciences/ Psychology/ Public Health related discipline.

The successful candidate must have experience of collecting and analysing qualitative and quantitative data. Excellent interpersonal skills, willingness and ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a team remotely and in person, in-depth knowledge of research design and methods relevant to applied health research, the potential to publish in high-quality journals, and excellent oral and written communication skills are essential.

This role does not meet the eligibility requirements for a tier 2 certificate of sponsorship under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, the iHV will not be able to sponsor individuals who require the right to work in the UK to carry out this role.

Closing date: midnight Monday 17 January 2022, but the application may close early. Candidates are recommended to apply as soon as possible.

Interviews: Afternoon of Friday 21 January 2022 – please keep this date free.