Research Associate in Medical Anthropology - Department of Applied Health Sciences - 106221 - Grade

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Birmingham is looking for a researcher focused on eating disorders. This role involves data collection and analysis, contributing to academic publications, and supporting project administration. The ideal candidate holds a degree in medical anthropology and has practical experience in research methods related to psychology and anthropology.

Qualifications

• Essential degree in medical anthropology.
• Understanding of psychological literature on eating disorders is desirable.
• Practical research interviewing and ethnographic experience needed.

Responsibilities

• Collect research data through interviews and ethnography.
• Analyse data and contribute to academic publications.
• Provide guidance to staff and students.

Skills

Research interviewing

Ethnographic methods

Analysis and communication

Knowledge of eating disorders literature

Education

Degree in medical anthropology

Job description

Overview

Position Details

Department of Applied Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression once in post to £39,906

Grade: 6

Part Time (15 hours per week)

Fixed Term contract up to October 2026

Closing date: 18th September 2025

Background

To assist in ethnographic research into eating disorders (by carrying out data collection and analyses), as well as project admin support.

Role Summary

• Work within the UKRI-funded project, "an anthropological approach to eating disorders"
• Operate within the discipline of medical anthropology
• Contribute to data collection, analysis and writing of publications for academic, clinical and lay audiences

Main Duties

• Collect research data through in-depth narrative interviews and/or ethnographic methods, as well as conducting literature reviews across social science, psychological and clinical literature on eating disorders
• Analyse research data as directed
• Contribute to scoping and/or systematic reviews into eating disorders
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars, conferences and as posters
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods, specifically at the intersections of anthropology and psychology
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

• Degree in medical anthropology is essential, with expertise also in psychology desirable
• In-depth knowledge of the existing psychological and anthropological literature on eating disorders is highly desirable
• Practical experience of research interviewing and ethnographic methods is essential, with experience of using these in the study of eating disorders desirable
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Anna Lavis, email: [e-mail]

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