Research Associate (Health Psychologist)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge invites applications for a fixed-term postdoctoral research associate to lead the mixed methods process evaluation of a national randomised controlled trial evaluating an acceptance-based guided self-help weight management intervention (SWiM). This five-year programme is funded by NIHR and currently has 3 years left in the fixed term.

Applicants should have a PhD in psychology or behavioural science and demonstrable experience in high-quality qualitative and mixed

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent qualification in psychology or behavioural science.
• Demonstrable experience in undertaking high quality qualitative and mixed methods research.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain excellent working relationships with collaborators, stakeholders and team members.
• Interest and experience in obesity and weight management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mixed methods process evaluation of a large national randomised controlled trial (N=1840).
• Support the adaptation of the SWiM intervention for people who have received bariatric surgery or taken obesity medications.
• Train and supervise the health coaches employed to deliver the "guide" element of guided self-help during the trial.

Skills

Qualitative research

Mixed methods research

Health psychology

Communication

Education

PhD in psychology or behavioural science

Job description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated postdoctoral research associate with training and experience evaluating and delivering health behaviour change interventions and an interest in the psychology of obesity and weight management. You will take a lead role in a multi-disciplinary research programme to evaluate an acceptance-based guided self-help intervention to support weight loss maintenance. It builds on a successful feasibility study of the Supporting Weight Management (SWiM) intervention (DOI:10.1002/osp4.70048) and will further refine, adapt and evaluate this intervention to provide evidence needed for implementation within the NHS. This is a 5-year research programme led by Prof Amy Ahern and funded by NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research (NIHR206801). We have successfully completed the first 2 years of the programme and this is a 3-year fixed term position.

You will have responsibility for leading the mixed methods process evaluation of a large national randomised controlled trial (N=1840) and supporting the adaptation of the SWiM intervention for people who have received bariatric surgery or taken obesity medications. You will also train and supervise the health coaches employed to deliver the "guide" element of guided self-help during the trial.

The successful candidate will have a PhD or equivalent qualification in psychology or behavioural science and demonstrable experience in undertaking high quality qualitative and mixed methods research. Applicants should have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to build and maintain excellent working relationships with collaborators, stakeholders and team members.

This is an NIHR career capacity building position that is intended to increase capacity in interdisciplinary research and implementation science for practitioner psychologists who have an interest and experience in obesity. It would be an ideal position for a qualified (or near qualified) Health Psychologist or someone with similar training and experience. Substantial support will be provided for professional development in research and practice, with a bespoke professional development plan based on your skills, experience and career aspirations. You will become a member of the NIHR Academy and will have access to associated training and mentorship opportunities.

The appointment will be made on a fixed-term basis for a period of 3 years in order to undertake a specific project of finite duration. A timely start is desired and candidates should indicate their earliest potential start date on application.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 October 2029 in the first instance.

Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £34,610) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.