At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and encourages personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on mental health while working in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: PhD or MSc in a relevant field; experience in qualitative research and participant recruitment required.
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 arenotable 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:vanessa.c.lawrence@kcl.ac.uk
Qualitative Research Associate/Assistant employer: European Commission
King's College London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff. As part of a leading research institution in the heart of London, employees benefit from access to cutting-edge resources, collaborative opportunities with renowned experts, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, making it an ideal environment for those passionate about advancing mental health research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Qualitative Research Associate/Assistant
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We think you need these skills to ace Qualitative Research Associate/Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Experience:In psychology, it’s crucial to highlight your relevant experience, such as internships, research projects, or any volunteer work in mental health settings. Make sure to include specific roles and responsibilities, demonstrating how you've applied theoretical knowledge in real-world situations—this is what gets us excited!
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:Given the nature of psychology, we want to see your academic journey laid out clearly. Include your degree(s), grades, and any specialised courses or certifications that set you apart. If you've got published papers or presentations at conferences, be sure to mention them—it shows your commitment to the field!
Personal Statement: Make It Count:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Share insights about why you’re passionate about psychology and how this role at European Commission connects with your career goals. Be honest about your motivations and what you hope to learn—this is key for a full-time position and helps us gauge your fit in our team!
Focus on Soft Skills in Your Application:Psychology is as much about people as it is about theories. Highlight your soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork in your application. These traits are essential in our field and will help us see how you connect with others, so don't hold back in showcasing them!
How to prepare for a job interview at European Commission
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with European Commission, revisit key psychological theories that are relevant to the role, like cognitive behavioural therapy or humanistic psychology. Expect to discuss these during your interview, as they want to see how you apply theory to practice.
✨Bring Real-Life Case Studies
Prepare a couple of case studies or anecdotes that demonstrate your practical experience in psychology. Whether it’s handling a difficult client or designing a psychological assessment, these stories will highlight your skills and help you stand out in your full-time interview.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ethical Guidelines
Get comfy with the ethical guidelines set by the British Psychological Society. Be ready to chat about how you ensure ethical practice in your work, as this is crucial in the psychology field, and European Commission will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
✨Showcase Your Continuous Learning
Since you're going for a full-time gig, it’s essential to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Bring up any workshops, courses, or readings you’ve engaged in recently. This shows European Commission that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.
