Postdoctoral Research Associate in Autism and Cancer Care - (0.F FTE)

University of Liverpool; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution is seeking a fixed-term researcher to join a 12-month project exploring the experiences of autistic adults living with cancer. In this role, you will conduct interviews, work with an autistic co-researcher group, and gather qualitative data. Applicants must have a relevant PhD and experience in qualitative research. The position starts on 1st January 2026, with a salary of £39,906 per annum (pro-rata). Travel within the North West of England is required.

Qualifications

• Experience of conducting qualitative research is mandatory.
• The role requires flexibility in working hours due to travel.
• You should follow research protocols and liaise with collaborators.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews and workshops with autistic individuals living with cancer.
• Work closely with an autistic co-researcher group.
• Assist with research-related tasks as agreed with the Principal Investigator.

Skills

Conducting research with autistic people

Qualitative data collection and analysis

Working with seldom-heard groups

Dissemination of research findings

Education

PhD qualification

Job description

We are looking for a fixed-term researcher to work on a 12‑month North West Cancer Research funded project exploring the experiences of autistic adults living with cancer. This will involve interviews and workshops with autistic people with cancer, their relatives and staff who care for them. In these interviews, we will aim to understand the patients’ experiences, the things that make accessing healthcare easy or difficult for them and how local cancer services can support them better. Through the workshops, we will aim to find a solution to some of the barriers that they may face. This is a participatory research project and therefore you will work closely with an autistic co‑researcher group to make sure our research benefits local people. You will be supported by a team of researchers from the University of Liverpool and local NHS Trusts.

We have already received favourable ethical approval and have begun interviews.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

• Conducting research with autistic people or people with cancer and/or long‑term health conditions
• Working with minoritised or seldom‑heard groups
• Qualitative data collection and analysis
• Dissemination of research findings

You should have a relevant PhD qualification and experience of conducting qualitative research. You will be working in the Department of Primary Care and Mental Health and at NHS sites in the North West of England. You will be based at the University of Liverpool and will work directly with Dr Gemma Cherry and Dr Jennifer Kirton. Recruitment and data collection will necessitate travel within the North West of England and therefore a degree of flexibility in working hours is required. We will expect you to follow research protocols and study procedures, liaise effectively with research collaborators, and assist with any other research‑related tasks as agreed with the Principal Investigator.

The post is available for 12 months, starting 1st January 2026. This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS) clearance.

If you are still awaiting your PhD to be awarded you will be appointed at Grade 6, spine point 30. Upon written confirmation that you have been awarded your PhD, your salary will be increased to Grade 7, spine point 31.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Liverpool is committed to enhancing workforce diversity. We actively seek to attract, develop, and retain colleagues with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all genders/gender identities, Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, individuals living with a disability, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Application

For full details and to apply online, please visit: recruit.liverpool.ac.uk

£39,906 per annum (pro‑rate) (Grade 7)