Research Assistant

University of Sussex; Falmer; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

An academic institution in Sussex is looking for a Research Assistant to support a public health intervention project aimed at young women who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET). You'll coordinate trials, engage participants, and collect data under supervision. The role requires a relevant degree and experience in health research or working with vulnerable populations, along with strong communication and organizational skills. This is a contract position until January 2027 with potential for extension.

Qualifications

• Experience working on large and/or complex health or education research projects.
• Personal experience supporting vulnerable young people or professional experience in research, clinical, or support roles.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day trial coordination for the Looking Forward Project.
• Engage young women, invite consent, perform screening assessments.
• Collect and enter data, and report recruitment and assessment figures.

Skills

Good communication skills

Presentation skills

Organizational skills

Understanding of randomized controlled trial

Education

Relevant degree and/or equivalent experience

Job description

About the role

As a Research Assistant at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), you will support an exciting new project focused on a public health intervention for young women who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) living in coastal areas in the UK. The Looking Forward Project aims to explore the feasibility, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of a hope-focused intervention including a mixed-methods process evaluation. The intervention is based on the principles of hope theory (strengths-spotting, goal-setting and creative arts elements), designed to be supported using a novel youth-initiated mentor approach.

You will support day-to-day trial co-ordination, including supporting local/unitary authorities and charities to identify and refer young women to the trial. You will engage young women, invite consent, perform screening assessments and support baseline and follow-up assessments via phone, videoconferencing, and in-person meetings. You will collect and enter data, and report accurate recruitment and assessment figures. You will be supervised by the Trial Manager, who reports to the overall project lead, Dr Clio Berry and will be supported with professional development and opportunities for training.

The role would be contracted until 31/01/2027 in the first instance with potential for further extension.

About you

The successful candidate should have a relevant degree and/or equivalent experience, for example gained in working on large and/or complex health or education research projects. The successful candidate will require good communication and presentation skills, together with the ability to organise themselves and work to targets. The successful candidate will have some understanding of the randomised controlled trial approach. The candidate should have personal experience of supporting vulnerable young people and/or professional experience of working with this group in a research, clinical, or support capacity.

About our Division/School

Please find further information regarding the School at Brighton and Sussex Medical School. Brighton and Sussex Medical School is proud to hold a Gold Athena Swan Award.

Why work here

Find out more about our reward and benefits package.

Find out about our equality, diversity and inclusion.

Further Key Information

Please contact Charlotte Rawlinson, Trial Manager, [e-mail] for informal enquiries.

For full details and how to apply, click the 'Apply' button above.

Please note that this position may be subject ATAS clearance if you require visa sponsorship.

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK.

Visa Sponsorship Queries: This role does not meet the eligibility for sponsorship due to its part-time nature. Please consult our Skilled Worker Visa information page for further information about Visa Sponsorship.

£34,610 to £38,784 per annum, pro rata if part time, Grade 6