Research Assistant CHOICES HiSP

University of Plymouth; Plymouth; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent academic institution in Plymouth seeks a Research Assistant for a pioneering study on Type 1 Diabetes. The successful candidate will support literature review, data analysis, and project coordination. A health-related degree is essential, with proven research experience preferred. This role offers the chance to work closely with NHS partners, contributing to a national trial with the potential to transform care for young people. Flexibility for remote work available, with some on-site presence required.

Benefits

NHS pension scheme eligibility

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Degree in a health-related field (or equivalent) required.
• Proven research experience, including written contributions to academic publications.
• Strong skills in designing research materials and analysing mixed-methods data.
• Confident in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and improve research support service.
• Assist with funding searches and proposal development.
• Collect, analyse, and interpret research data.
• Ensure compliance with financial, regulatory, and safety policies.

Skills

Research experience

Data analysis

Microsoft Office Suite

Research methods

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in a health-related field

PhD in a relevant discipline

Tools

Research databases

Statistical software

Job description

Join our CHOICES-HiSP Programme and help shape early support for children and young people with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

About the role

We’re developing a pioneering hospital-initiated social prescribing intervention to improve mental health and wellbeing in the first year after diagnosis. Starting on 1st April 2026, as our Research Assistant, you’ll play a key role in a 12‑month, multi‑site study, supporting literature reviews, data collection, stakeholder engagement and project coordination. Working closely with the Principal Investigator and NHS partners, you will help design a future national trial that could transform care for young people with T1D.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Deliver and continually improve a flexible research support service
• Work closely with investigators, research fellows, and key project stakeholders
• Assist with funding searches and proposal development
• Develop questionnaires and conduct literature/database searches
• Collect, analyse, and interpret research data
• Contribute to reports, publications, and presentations
• Support project planning and day‑to‑day organisation
• Ensure compliance with financial, regulatory, and safety policies

For this role, you will need to be on site 1 day a week. Although we can accommodate working from home for this role, flexibility to be on‑site will be expected due to business needs.

There is an essential requirement within this role that you will be required to travel to and work at different University sites and/or other business locations that may not be easily accessible by public transport.

The successful candidate may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Kerryn Husk: by email at [e-mail]

What we’re looking for

• Degree in a health‑related field (or equivalent) required, PhD in a relevant discipline desirable
• Proven research experience, including written contributions to academic publications
• Experience in health services research, ideally within secondary care, CYP and/or mental health settings
• Experience conducting and disseminating research in an academic environment desirable
• Track record of contributing to research publications
• Strong skills in designing research materials and analysing mixed‑methods data
• Confident in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and research databases
• Solid knowledge of research methods, design, and mixed‑methods approaches
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team\
• Understanding of trial design, implementation research, and health economics
• Organised, self‑managing team player with excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Confident in analysing and interpreting research data and generating new ideas

For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.

About us

For more information on Peninsula Medical School please visit our dedicated webpage at https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools

Application Process

Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.

Anticipated Interview Date(s): Tuesday, 20 January 2026

Our Offer

Staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria.