Research Associate in Lung Health and Wellbeing

Economicsnetwork; London; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research group is seeking a full-time Research Associate in Lung Health and Wellbeing to assist with a groundbreaking study aimed at developing laughter classes for individuals with bronchiectasis. The successful candidate will lead recruitment efforts, handle logistics in community settings, and engage with participants to explore the feasibility and acceptability of this innovative health intervention.

Qualifications

• BSc required and PhD qualification is essential.
• Experience with recruitment, ethics/governance processes preferred.
• Ability to work with chronic health conditions.

Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day activities of the study.
• Recruit participants and manage class logistics.
• Complete assessments and support class facilitation.

Skills

Experience in Patient and Public Involvement

Community Engagement

Data Collection and Analysis

Study Logistics

Education

BSc in Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy, or Psychology

PhD in relevant subject area

Job description

About the role

We are looking for a Research Associate in Lung Health and Wellbeing to support the Asthma & Lung UK funded study “Development And Feasibility Of Social Prescribing Of Laughter Classes For People With Bronchiectasis (SPLASH)”. The study is led by researchers from King's College London, with collaborators from the University of Southampton. The study aims to develop a novel intervention of laughter classes as social prescribing for people with bronchiectasis, and to assess the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention. Joining a local group for laughter exercises may help people with bronchiectasis remove phlegm and improve their mood and quality of life. Before testing these benefits, it is essential to develop and evaluate the best ways to run these classes.

The appointment will be at the grade of Research Associate. The postholder will be a researcher with a strong interest in intervention development, community therapies, and co-design. The appointee will have an MSc (or equivalent experience) in health research or social sciences.

The postholder will support the day-to-day activities of the study, including setting up the intervention site, recruiting participants, and acting as a contact point. They will support classes in a community setting, complete baseline and follow-up assessments, and support the development, delivery, and analysis of the intervention. They will also explore the acceptability and fidelity of the intervention. Administrative duties include scheduling, preparing materials, and taking minutes for research and stakeholder meetings. Additionally, they will support the preparation and dissemination of study outputs.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), with a fixed-term contract until 31/10/2026.

About You

To succeed in this role, candidates should have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

• BSc in Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy, or Psychology
• PhD qualified in a relevant subject area * (candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award will be considered; in such cases, the appointment will be at Grade 5, spine point 30, with the title of Research Assistant; upon confirmation of the PhD award, the job title will change to Research Associate with a salary increase)
• Experience with study logistics, including recruitment, ethics/governance processes, data collection and analysis, and liaising with stakeholders
• Experience working with individuals with chronic health conditions and/or in community-based settings
• Experience in Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) and/or community engagement in health research
• Experience in writing for peer-reviewed publications
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, actively addressing potential bias

Desirable criteria

• Experience in delivering or co-developing health or wellbeing interventions, especially in community or psychosocial contexts
• Training or practical experience in behavioural science, group facilitation, or psychosocial interventions (e.g., laughter therapy, CBT, mindfulness)
• Experience interacting with patients with respiratory conditions

Salary: £44,355 to £46,671 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance