Research Assistant/Associate (Fixed Term)

This exciting 1 year post is an opportunity for an enthusiastic, motivated individual who is keen to develop their qualitative and palliative and end of life care research skills.

We are looking for a colleague to work with Dr Simon Etkind, Clinical Lecturer in Palliative Care and Dr Ben Bowers, Wellcome Post-Doctoral Fellow and community palliative care nurse, Professor Stephen Barclay, Professor of Palliative Care, and colleagues on two complimentary research projects.

• A qualitative study exploring how we can best communicate uncertainty in the context of older people with multiple serious illnesses through focus group and interviews. This study then aims to co-design a communication toolkit for optimal communication of uncertainty in clinical practice.

• A qualitative study investigating the use of injectable end-of-life symptom control medications at home, involving interviews and focus groups with patients, families and healthcare professionals. This study is part of a larger Wellcome project and will help advance understanding of where and how systems for using injectable medications can be improved.

We are looking for someone with qualitative/mixed methods research skills and an interest in clinically focused UK palliative and end of life care research. The post-holder will be a member of PELiCam, a friendly, dynamic and inclusive leading Palliative and End of Life Care Research Group. They will have access to a community of researchers and supported to advance their skills and competences in this exciting interdisciplinary field.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD or equivalent (for research associate) experience in a relevant discipline and experience of working in a research environment. They will have practical experience of qualitative research methods, including conducting interviews and focus groups in vulnerable groups. They will have experience of working collaboratively as part of a team, communicating with clinical and research colleagues, presenting research to academic, professional and professional audiences and writing journal papers.

The funds for this post are available for one year full-time in the first instance. We also welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working (at least 80% FTE).

The post will be based in the Primary Care Unit, East Forvie Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0SR (approx. 2 miles south of city centre). The post holder will need to work at least 2 days per week in the Department and will be expected to travel locally to support data collection.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD (or equivalent experience), including those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD. Where a PhD has yet to be, awarded appointment will initially be made at research assistant and amended to research associate when the PhD is awarded (PhD needs to be awarded within 6 months of the start date). If an individual has not submitted a PhD or is not working towards one they could be appointed as a Research Assistant if they have either a degree (and/or Master's) in a relevant area or equivalent experience.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

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 £31,411) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

We welcome informal conversations or questions concerning this post: please contact Angela Harper ah523@medschl.cam.ac.uk to arrange a conversation with Dr Etkind, Dr Bowers or Prof. Barclay.

Please quote reference RH36679 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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

Interview Date: 19 June 2023

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