At a Glance
- Tasks: Support research on smoking cessation and health behaviours in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, a leader in health research.
- Benefits: Enjoy opportunities for project leadership and collaboration with experts in various fields.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health while developing your research skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant undergraduate and master's degrees with knowledge in behavioural interventions or epidemiology.
- Other info: Position starts 1 April 2024, with potential extension until April 2029.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 Β£ per year.
Applications are invited for a Grade 6 Research Assistant to work with a team working with Professor Paul Aveyard on a research programme which aims to help people with serious mental illness reduce harm from smoking. The research assistant will primarily support the TRIDENT programme, but may undertake duties outside of this to support the work within the Health Behaviours team.
The team works to develop and test population and individual-level interventions to improve diet, obesity, smoking cessation and tobacco control, and supporting studies including systematic reviews and epidemiological analyses. Our team is multidisciplinary, with contributions from nutrition scientists and dietitians, psychologists, health behaviour change specialists, general practitioners, epidemiologists, and economists. The team is co-led by Professor Susan Jebb, Professor Peter Scarborough, and Professor Paul Aveyard and the post holder will work mainly on the TRIDENT programme but may also work across other projects as the need arises.
The post holder will work in project groups to support and develop research, working primarily to support experimental and intervention-based research projects led by others, most typically the TRIDENT programme manager. There will be opportunities for leading projects and working collaboratively with others. The research methods would include quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis, and write-up.
The post holder would be expected to engage the public in shaping their research programme, and disseminating the outcomes to academic audiences and other stakeholders such as policymakers and the public.
You will hold relevant undergraduate and masterβs degrees, demonstrate scholarship potential and academic attainment, have sufficient specialist knowledge in behavioural interventions, psychology of behaviour change, or epidemiological methods to work within established research programmes.
You will be based in the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Radcliffe Primary Care Building, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG as your normal place of work. The position is funded by an NIHR programme grant for applied sciences to start 1 April 2024 or soon thereafter. The programme is subject to review at December 2026 with the possibility of extension until end of April 2029.
Research Assistant employer: UK Society for Behavioural Medicine
Contact Detail:
UK Society for Behavioural Medicine Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the TRIDENT programme and its objectives. Understanding the specific goals and methodologies of the research will allow you to engage more effectively during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of health behaviour change and epidemiology. Attend relevant seminars or workshops, and connect with current or former team members on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights into the team's work and culture.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Be ready to provide examples of how you've applied these methods in past projects, as this will be crucial for the role's responsibilities.
β¨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to communicate research findings to diverse audiences. Think of ways you've previously engaged the public or stakeholders in your research, as this aligns with the role's emphasis on dissemination and public engagement.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Research Assistant position. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with the role, such as knowledge in behavioural interventions and experience in data collection.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your relevant academic background and any research experience. Emphasise your undergraduate and master's degrees, and include specific projects or coursework that relate to health behaviours, psychology, or epidemiology.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the research area and your understanding of the TRIDENT programme. Mention how your skills can contribute to the team and express your enthusiasm for engaging with the public and disseminating research findings.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear and professional, as this reflects your attention to detail and communication skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Society for Behavioural Medicine
β¨Understand the Research Programme
Familiarise yourself with the TRIDENT programme and its objectives. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the goals of the research team, particularly in relation to smoking cessation and health behaviour interventions.
β¨Showcase Your Academic Background
Highlight your relevant undergraduate and master's degrees during the interview. Be ready to discuss specific projects or coursework that demonstrate your knowledge in behavioural interventions, psychology, or epidemiological methods.
β¨Demonstrate Team Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working within a multidisciplinary team, share examples of past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others. Emphasise your ability to contribute to group projects and support colleagues in achieving common goals.
β¨Engage with Public Engagement Strategies
Discuss your understanding of public engagement in research. Be prepared to share ideas on how you would involve the public in shaping research programmes and disseminating findings to various stakeholders, including policymakers and the general public.