Research Associate

Vacancy terms: Full time fixed term contract until 31 December 2033

About the role

We are seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to play a key role in the Wellcome-funded project, “ASCEND-HD: Advancing Support and Care for Emotional Needs and Distress in Huntington’s Disease”. Working within the School of Psychology and Vision Sciences, you will contribute to improving understanding of mental wellbeing difficulties in Huntington’s disease, supporting the development of resources for the Huntington’s community and collaborating with academics, healthcare professionals and third-sector organisations. You will undertake qualitative and quantitative research, lead data collection and analysis activities, contribute to patient and public involvement work, and support the dissemination of findings through publications, presentations and wider knowledge exchange activities.

Working closely with the project team under the supervision of the project lead, you will take ownership of key project components, contribute to ethics applications and research outputs, and help ensure the successful delivery of a research programme valued at £2 million. The role offers opportunities to contribute to doctoral student supervision, teaching activities and professional development while engaging with national and international collaborators. As part of our research community, you will be expected to attend regular meetings and be present on campus for the majority of the time, though some working from home is possible.

About you

You will hold, or be close to completing, a PhD or DClinPsy in a relevant psychological or healthcare discipline and you will have significant experience of research involving people affected by neurological conditions. You will have experience of leading substantial qualitative research projects, applying research methods and techniques to produce high-quality outputs, and obtaining informed consent within research studies. Experience of qualitative and quantitative research methods in healthcare or psychological settings and an understanding of Good Clinical Practice will be advantageous.

You will possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to conduct sensitive one-to-one interviews involving potentially challenging or distressing topics. Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills are essential, alongside a commitment to delivering high-quality research and engaging effectively with participants, collaborators and wider stakeholders.