Research Associate

University of Leicester; England; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Qualitative Research Associate for a 12-month project on asthma management. This part-time position involves conducting interviews with children aged 10-16 and their carers, requiring significant experience in qualitative research and excellent communication skills. The role offers hybrid working arrangements, promoting a collaborative environment while also focusing on equity and diversity in research. Strongly motivated candidates with a PhD in public health or related fields are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Excellent pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant experience in qualitative research methods, including semi-structured interviews.
• Experience in participant recruitment and NHS ethics governance processes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews with children and young people living with asthma.
• Engage with parents/carers and healthcare professionals involved in asthma care.

Skills

Qualitative research methods

Excellent communication skills

Thematic analysis

Engaging with children and young people

Education

PhD or near completion in relevant field

Job description

Position Overview

The Division of Respiratory Sciences at the University of Leicester are seeking a Qualitative Research Associate to join them on a fixed term basis to work on a 12-month project funded by the Midlands Asthma and Allergy Research Association (MAARA), a registered charity based in the East Midlands. In this project, we are exploring the educational needs of paediatric patients and their carers about asthma management. This will involve conducting interviews with children and young people (CYPs) (10‑16 years) living with asthma, parents/carers of CYPs and healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in asthma care. Interviews can be held virtually or in person in Leicester and hence some amount of local travel might be involved. This is a part‑time position with opportunity for hybrid working; working days and days in office will be agreed in discussion with line manager.

Requirements

You will hold a PhD (or be near completion) in a relevant field such as public health, sociology, psychology or another social/health science discipline with qualitative expertise. Significant experience in qualitative research methods, including semi‑structured interviews and thematic analysis, is essential, as is experience engaging with children and young people in a professional or research capacity. You will demonstrate excellent communication skills, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, and a commitment to professional development. Experience in participant recruitment, NHS ethics governance processes, and contributing to peer‑reviewed publications will be highly valued. As a member of our inclusive and inspiring community, you will share our commitment to equity, diversity, and delivering impactful research that makes a difference.

Application

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Dr Mayuri Gogoi on [email protected]. As part of the University's ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here.

About the University

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people's lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world. As a diverse and forward‑thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive. We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond.

Benefits

We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.