Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the Role 

We are looking for a post-doctoral researcher to be part of an exciting new NIHR-funded project. The project aims to evaluate offering a choice of HPV self-sampling or clinician screening within the cervical screening programme in England and Wales. Under the supervision of Prof Jo Waller, you will lead the day-to-day work on the behavioural science aspects of the project in England, collaborating closely with a similar post-holder in Wales. In the first year, this will involve developing information materials to support the offer to choice, collaborating closely with the NHS and patient and public contributors, and conducting focus groups and interviews to develop and iterate the materials. In Years 2 to 4, you will help evaluate the impact of the offer of choice (using surveys and interviews) and test the impact of different versions of information materials as part of a SWAT (study with a trial). Throughout the project, there will be a strong focus on social inequalities. 

About You 

Applicants should have a PhD (or be close to completion) in an applied health-related social science (e.g. health psychology). We are looking for candidates with experience of running research studies related to psychological and behavioural aspects of cancer screening. Excellent self-motivation and communications skills, experience of quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, and experience of working with multiple stakeholders are essential.  

About the School/Department/Institute/Project 

The Wolfson Institute of Population Health (WIPH) is an exciting and dynamic environment, home to 450 staff, 100 PhD students and 500 postgraduate taught students. It harnesses expertise across a wide range of population-based research and education activities. The Institute is organised into six research centres which, though complementary and following the Institute’s strategic plan, also have Centre-specific objectives and requirements. 

The postholder will be based in the Centre for Cancer Screening, Prevention and Early Diagnosis (CCSPED). CCSPED brings together globally leading researchers focusing on cancer prevention, screening and detection and early diagnosis across two units. CCSPED also hosts the cross-cutting Cancer Behavioural Science group and the CRUK-funded Cancer Prevention Trials Unit.  

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits 

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, campus facilities and flexible working arrangements. 

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.