At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in developing and testing an online psychological intervention for food allergy management.
- Company: Join a vibrant team at Aston University, leading innovative research in food allergy support.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days of annual leave, discounts, and access to on-site gym and pool.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in adolescents' lives while gaining valuable research experience.
- Qualifications: Psychology degree with research experience and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a multinational project with excellent training and career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 48000 £ per year.
We are looking for a research assistant to work on a study to develop and test an online psychological intervention to support food allergy management. FACETS (Food Allergy Coping Empowerment Tools and Support) has been developed for caregivers of children with food allergy and adults with food allergy. We are now looking to develop FACETS for adolescents. This work is part of the wider GAPS Project (Global Access to Psychological Services for Food Allergy). The GAPS project aims to improve food allergy patient outcomes by ensuring that patients' psychosocial needs are met. The project is run by a multinational group of experts in food allergy, led by Prof Rebecca Knibb at Aston University.
Aston University is a vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train. Excellent training and development opportunities are available, along with a generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days of bank holiday and University closure days. Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers are offered, as well as great family-friendly policies. An on-site gym and pool with discounted staff membership is also available.
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people.
Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with the GAPS team on study set-up.
- Run interviews and focus groups with adolescents.
- Develop online surveys.
- Run a randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of FACETS.
Qualifications:
- A psychology degree and a post-graduate qualification in health psychology or similar.
- Experience initiating and conducting research, undertaking qualitative and quantitative data analysis and interpreting results, writing reports and delivering presentations.
- Ability to work effectively in a team and have excellent verbal and written communication skills, organisational, time-keeping and report writing skills.
The post-holder will work under the direct supervision of Professor Rebecca Knibb.
Research Assistant employer: Aston University
Contact Detail:
Aston University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of psychology and food allergy research. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the GAPS project and understanding its goals. Be ready to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their mission. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves running interviews and focus groups, being articulate and engaging is key. Try mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to refine your delivery and confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Assistant role. Highlight your psychology degree and any relevant experience in research, especially if you've worked with adolescents or in health psychology. We want to see how your background fits with our GAPS project!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about food allergy management and how you can contribute to developing FACETS. Keep it engaging and personal – we love seeing your enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Research Skills: In your application, be sure to mention any experience you have with qualitative and quantitative data analysis. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know how you've successfully conducted research in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Aston University. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aston University
✨Know Your Research
Familiarise yourself with the GAPS project and the FACETS intervention. Understand its goals, target audience, and the significance of food allergy management. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in conducting research, especially in qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Be ready to share specific examples of past projects where you've successfully collaborated with a team or led initiatives, as this role requires strong teamwork and communication skills.
✨Practice Your Presentation
Since the role involves delivering presentations, practice explaining complex concepts clearly and concisely. You might be asked to present your previous research findings, so ensure you can articulate your thought process and results effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team dynamics, and the future of the GAPS project. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals. Plus, it demonstrates that you're proactive and engaged.