Qualitative Research Associate

About the role

We invite applications for a Qualitative Research Associate to contribute to two NIHR-funded clinical trials investigating home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as a treatment for depression (the “HOME” Trial) and bipolar depression (“BDEP”) within the NHS. HOME aims to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and feasibility of home-based tDCS for individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD), while BDEP will evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, and implementation of home-based tDCS for individuals experiencing bipolar depression. Both studies include a qualitative process evaluation to explore participants’ experiences of home-based neuromodulation, examine mechanisms through which the intervention influences outcomes, and identify barriers and facilitators to implementation and adherence within NHS care settings.

The successful candidate will conduct qualitative interviews with trial participants and clinicians and lead the analysis of the qualitative data to inform interpretation of trial outcomes and planning of future implementation strategies.

Key responsibilities

• Recruit participants to the qualitative process evaluations, liaising closely with the trial manager, research staff and clinical teams.
• Conduct in-depth, sensitive qualitative interviews with people with major depressive disorder participating in HOME, individuals experiencing bipolar depression participating in BDEP, and clinicians involved in delivering the interventions.
• Lead the analysis of qualitative data to develop an in-depth understanding of participants’ expectations and experiences of home-based tDCS and to inform the interpretation of trial findings.
• Attend and contribute to study meetings, presenting updates on research progress and qualitative findings to the wider study team.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer‑reviewed journals and contribute to reports, conference presentations, seminars and other dissemination activities for academic, clinical and public audiences.
• Contribute actively to the vibrant research culture of the QUAHRC, bringing ideas and enthusiasm to its programme of research, methodological development and knowledge exchange through initiatives such as research group meetings, the Qualitative Special Interest Group, the Qualitative Open Mic podcast, the Qualitative Summer School, the Qualitative Impact Blog and other collaborative activities.

Position details

This is a full‑time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract for 18 months.

About you

Essential criteria

• PhD awarded in relevant social science subject.
• Enthusiasm for using qualitative methods that prioritise the lived experience of people with mental health problems and those that support them.
• Experience of working with people with mental health problems.
• Experience of recruiting participants to research studies.
• Experience of conducting qualitative interviews.
• Knowledge and skills in analysing qualitative data.
• Ability to write high quality peer‑review publications.
• Understanding of ethical and research governance requirements for mental health research.

Desirable criteria

• Experience of conducting qualitative interviews with people with mental health problems.
• Experience of using the Framework Approach.
• Experience of working in or alongside clinical teams in the NHS.
• Skills in using qualitative software (e.g. NVivo).

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade5, spine point30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade6.