Research Officer in Edinburgh

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records. There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

Purpose of the post

The Research Officer will play a key role in supporting the scientific foundation, development, and coordination of AHS. The post holder will focus initially on supporting the development of the AHS pilot, contributing as required to methods selection, co-development of materials and assessment processes, writing of protocols and ethics submissions and preliminary testing of processes. Activities will involve conducting comprehensive literature reviews, supporting the development of piloting tools and protocols, engagement with schools, adolescents and parents, and addressing operational and logistical considerations necessary for successful delivery. The position is essential to ensuring the pilot and future study are grounded in robust evidence and implemented effectively.

Main responsibilities

• Research & Evaluation
• Support in summarising existing evidence, and ongoing work with the research community, to identify insights and knowledge gaps that inform piloting and study research questions.
• Support in conducting literature reviews and background research on determinants of adolescent health and identify tools and measures suitable for field-based assessment.
• Contribute to the design and delivery of qualitative and/or quantitative research activities in support of study set-up.
• Contribute to the design and delivery of public engagement and involvement activities.
• Piloting Design & Planning
• Contribute to developing piloting protocols and frameworks.
• Assist in drafting documents for submission for ethical approval.
• Help design, test and adapt measurement tools (e.g. questionnaires) and visit processes.
• Support in the preparation of piloting recruitment materials.
• Assist in the recruitment of, and relationship building with, schools for pre-testing.
• Data Collection & Fieldwork Support
• Support procurement of logistics for fieldwork.
• Support in the preparation of field worker training materials.
• Support training for data collectors and field staff.
• Assist in data collection where required.
• Be a part of a core team that ensures adherence to ethical standards and protocols.
• Piloting Coordination Support
• Support meetings and workshops on workstreams.
• Support write-up of feasibility testing findings, and contribute to revisions on plans based on findings.
• Support the senior study project manager as required on managing piloting timelines, risks and progress.
• Administrative and Logistical Support
• Take meeting minutes for the scientific study team as required.
• Manage piloting documentation and version controls.
• Respond to stakeholder queries as required.

Knowledge, skills and experience

Essential criteria

• A Masters degree in epidemiology, public health, social sciences, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrable experience in supporting research studies, preferably in population and/or adolescent health.
• Ability to translate complex findings into clear, actionable insights.
• Ability to synthesise literature and evidence concisely for reporting to diverse audiences.
• Evidence of strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to contribute to protocols and ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to form strong working relationships with colleagues, partners and stakeholders at all levels, both in person and virtually.

Desirable criteria

• A PhD in epidemiology, public health, social sciences, or a related discipline (completed or due to be submitted within 3 months of application).
• Prior experience of working on adolescent health, youth development, or related public health issues.
• Experience of conducting and reporting on literature reviews.
• Experience with Research Ethics Committee submissions.
• Good knowledge of basic principles of ethical research.
• Clear understanding of study designs (including piloting) and data collections tools, and their application in school settings.
• Experience with the development, testing, or adaptation of research instruments (e.g. questionnaires).
• Experience of working with young people and/or schools (through research and/or public involvement).

Dimensions

Full time role with flexible working arrangements. AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK. Flexible working will be required across several geographical locations in the UK. Travel may be required to AHS locations, fieldwork sites and partner organisations.

Application Process

This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and the post holder having the right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, and including your current salary. The closing date for this position is EoD Sunday 08 March 2026. Interviews are currently expected to be held during the week commencing 30 March 2026.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration.