Research Associate

Aston University; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 38,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Training and development opportunities

30 days annual leave + 13 bank holiday

On-site gym and pool

Staff discounts

Family friendly policies

University benefits

Job summary

Aston University invites applications for a Research Associate (Grade 7) or Senior Research Associate (Grade 8) to join Aston Business School. The role supports an international project on workplace mental health stigma, with mixed-methods research and opportunities to contribute to reports and publications.

Candidates should have a good first degree and experience in qualitative research; Grade 8 requires a PhD and leadership in research design and dissemination.

Qualifications

• Good first degree in Psychology, Business, Organisational Behaviour, Occupational Psychology, Public Health, Sociology or related discipline.
• Experience of qualitative research including interviews and focus groups.
• Experience working with organisations and/or policymakers.

Responsibilities

• Review evidence and guidance; develop research materials.
• Conduct interviews and focus groups; support data collection and analysis.
• Engage with organisations and stakeholders; translate findings into practical guidance.

Skills

Qualitative research

Interviews

Focus groups

Data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or related

PhD (preferred)

Job description

ContractType: Fixed Term(Grade 07: 16 months, Grade 08: 14 months)

Basis: Part Time(0.82)

ClosingDate: 23.59 hours BST on Sunday 20 September 2026

InterviewDate: Thursday 08 October 2026

Reference: 1231-26

ReleaseDate: Monday 17 August 2026

We are looking to appoint a Research Associate (Grade 7) or Senior Research associate(Grade 8) to join Aston Business School, Aston University, as part of an international research project funded by INAIL (the Italian National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work) and led by Professor Roberta Fida.

The project aims to advance understanding of mental health stigma in the workplace and develop evidence-based strategies and practical guidance to help organisations reduce stigma, promote psychologically safe workplaces, and support the safe expression of psychosocial work-related concerns.

You will join an international research team and contribute to a mixed-methods programme of research. Activities will include reviewing scientific evidence and international guidance; developing research materials; conducting interviews and focus groups; supporting quantitative data collection and analysis; engaging with organisations and stakeholders; and integrating evidence to develop practical organisational recommendations. You will also contribute to project reports, dissemination activities, conference presentations and scientific publications.

We are particularly interested in candidates with strong qualitative research skills and an interest in workplace mental health, stigma, psychosocial risks and occupational wellbeing.

For appointment at Grade 7, you will have a good first degree in Psychology, Business, Organisational Behaviour, Occupational Psychology, Public Health, Sociology or a related discipline, together with first‑hand experience of qualitative research, including interviews and/or focus groups and qualitative data analysis. Experience of working with organisations and/or policymakers is also required.

For appointment at Grade 8, you will additionally hold a relevant PhD and have experience of independently designing and conducting qualitative research, leading qualitative analysis, publishing qualitative or mixed‑methods research, and engaging with organisational partners and stakeholders. The Grade 8 role will involve greater responsibility for research design and analysis, scientific publications, stakeholder engagement and the overall development of the project.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to an international, applied research project with the potential to inform organisational practice and approaches to mental health stigma at work.

Whatwe offer:

• Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with30days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family friendly policies.
• On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here .

The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications

While we cannot prevent applicants from using AI tools to support their application, we ask that all submissions reflect your own experience, achievements, and motivations. We want to understand what you personally bring to the role, so please ensure your application represents your own voice and capabilities.