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- Tasks: Conduct qualitative interviews and analyse data to improve mental health experiences.
- Company: Join King's College London, a leading institution in psychological research.
- Benefits: Enjoy a part-time role with flexible hours and the potential for contract renewal.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on mental health treatment while working in an inclusive and diverse environment.
- Qualifications: PhD or MSc in a relevant field; experience in qualitative research and participant recruitment required.
- Other info: This role is part of a groundbreaking study on ketamine's effects on anorexia and depression.
The predicted salary is between 38482 - 43249 £ per year.
Organisation/Company KINGS COLLEGE LONDON Research Field Psychological sciences Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Researcher (R1) Established Researcher (R3) Country United Kingdom Application Deadline 7 Aug 2025 – 00:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Other Job Status Part-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
About us:
The post provides an exciting opportunity for a Qualitative Research Associate/Assistant to be part of a thriving centre for qualitative research that uses rigorous and innovative methods to understand and improve the experiences of people with mental health problems. The successful candidate will join the Qualitative Research Group in the Health Services & Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, and be affiliated with the QUAHRC and the Section of Eating Disorders, Department of Psychological Medicine, led by Professor Ulrike Schmidt. The postholder will work closely with Dr Vanessa Lawrence, Professor of Qualitative Health Research and Director of the Qualitative Applied Health Research Centre (QUAHRC) at Kings and Dr Hubertus Himmerich, Reader in Eating Disorder (Principal Investigator of EDEN).
About the role:
We would like to invite applications for a Qualitative Research Associate/Assistant to work on a single-centre Medical Research Council funded feasibility study (the “EDEN” trial) to examine the feasibility, safety and tolerability, and acceptability of a randomised controlled trial of ketamine vs placebo for people with anorexia nervosa and treatment-resistant depression. If this feasibility study is successful, we will apply for a larger RCT to test the clinical efficacy of ketamine in this patient group. As part of the EDEN study, the postholder will be responsible for conducting qualitative interviews with people with anorexia and severe depression, and carers, around treatment experiences, expectations and reasons for drop-out.
The post provides an exciting opportunity for a Research Associate/Assistant to be part of a thriving centre for qualitative research that uses rigorous and innovative methods to understand and improve the experiences of people with mental health problems. The successful candidate will join the Qualitative Applied Health Research Centre (QUAHRC) in the Health Services & Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, and be affiliated with the Centre for Research in Eating and Weight Disorders (CREW), Department of Psychological Medicine, led by Professor Ulrike Schmidt. The postholder will work closely with Professor Vanessa Lawrence, Professor in Qualitative Health Research and Director of the QUAHRC at Kings and Dr Hubertus Himmerich, Reader in Eating Disorder (Principal Investigator of EDEN).
This is a part time post (21 hours per week/60% FTE), and you will be offered a 12-month fixed term contract with the possibility of renewal for another 12 months.
About you:
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
- PhD in a relevant discipline (or MSc in a relevant field for Grade 5/Assistant level)
- Enthusiasm for using qualitative methods that prioritise the lived experience of people with mental health problems and those that support them
- Experience of recruiting participants to research studies
- Experience of conducting qualitative interviews
- Knowledge and skills in analysing qualitative data
- Experience of writing up qualitative data
- Ability to use initiative and autonomy in the management of day to day tasks and ongoing workloads, to ensure they are prioritised and completed within agreed timeframes
- Ability to write high quality peer review publications
- Experience of working with people with eating disorders
- Experience of conducting qualitative interviews with people with mental health problems
- Experience of using the Framework Approach
- Skills in using qualitative software (e.g. NVivo)
- Understanding of ethical and research governance requirements for mental health research
Downloading a copy of our Job Description
Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.
Further information:
We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.
We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King\’s.
We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.
To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages.
We arenot able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.
Grade and Salary: Grade 5: £38,482 – £43,249 per annum (pro rata) including London Weighting Allowance / Grade 6: £44,355 – £49,128 per annum (pro rata) including London Weighting Allowance
Job ID: 119685
Close Date: 07-Aug-2025
Contact Person: Vanessa Lawrence
Contact Details:
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Qualitative Research Associate/Assistant employer: Kings College London
Contact Detail:
Kings College London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualitative Research Associate/Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest qualitative research methods, especially those related to mental health. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the qualitative research community, particularly those involved in mental health studies. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to make connections that could lead to valuable insights and recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with qualitative interviews in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've engaged with participants and what you learned from those interactions.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the work of Professor Ulrike Schmidt and Dr Vanessa Lawrence. Understanding their research focus and recent publications can help you tailor your discussions and demonstrate your enthusiasm for joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Qualitative Research Associate/Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Qualitative Research Associate/Assistant position. Highlight key skills such as qualitative interviewing and data analysis in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your relevant experience, particularly in qualitative research and mental health. Emphasise any previous roles that involved participant recruitment or conducting interviews.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Write a compelling supporting statement that directly addresses how you meet the essential and desirable criteria listed in the job advert. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your qualifications.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and supporting statement for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kings College London
✨Show Your Passion for Qualitative Research
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for qualitative methods and how they can improve mental health experiences. Share any personal stories or motivations that led you to this field, as it will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Interviewing Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience conducting qualitative interviews. Be ready to provide examples of how you've approached sensitive topics, especially with individuals facing mental health challenges, and highlight your ability to create a safe space for participants.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Software
If you have experience using qualitative analysis software like NVivo, be sure to mention it. If not, consider brushing up on its functionalities, as this knowledge could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Understand Ethical Considerations
Be prepared to discuss ethical issues related to mental health research. Familiarise yourself with the ethical guidelines and governance requirements, as this shows your commitment to conducting responsible and respectful research.
