Research Assistant / Research Fellow - Behavioural Science in London
Research Assistant / Research Fellow - Behavioural Science

Research Assistant / Research Fellow - Behavioural Science in London

London Temporary 39000 - 41000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a dynamic team to conduct impactful research in behavioural science and healthcare.
  • Company: UCL's Centre for Behaviour Change, a leader in innovative research.
  • Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, on-site gym, and flexible working options.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare by applying behavioural science to real-world challenges.
  • Qualifications: Solid understanding of behavioural science and experience in research methods.
  • Other info: Hybrid working available; great career growth opportunities in a supportive environment.

The predicted salary is between 39000 - 41000 £ per year.

About the role

The post-holder will be appointed as a researcher working as part of the large multi-disciplinary, multi-site PRU team, and will need to adapt to the needs and demands of the unit as appropriate. They will join a small team of PRU researchers based at the Centre for Behaviour Change, UCL. The post-holder will contribute to a variety of PRU research projects as agreed by the Department of Health and Social Care and will ensure its research is informed by policy contexts and directions. Examples of topic areas covered by current projects include improving the delivery of and engagement with integrated healthcare services; trust in artificial intelligence and digital healthcare; and weight management, as well as other topics related to the NHS Long-Term Plan and responsive to policy priorities.

We are seeking someone with a solid understanding of theories and methods in behavioural and social sciences, as the role will require applying these to all aspects of research, from initial study design, through to data collection, analysis and write up of findings. The work of the unit encompasses a range of methods, including quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews and focus groups, participatory research and conducting systematic literature reviews. The post will require demonstrable research skills in some of these methods, alongside leadership for initiating, conducting, reporting and disseminating the work in collaboration with multidisciplinary research teams and policy-makers. Experience in engaging with non-academic stakeholders such as policy makers, health service providers, and patient groups is desirable.

The post is offered at either of Grade 6 or Grade 7 depending on the expertise and experience offered by the candidate. Research Fellows - Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (salary £39, - £41, per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis. This is a fixed-term role of 6 months in the first instance. The post-holder will report to Prof. Angel Chater. This role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 40% on site. This role is required to start as soon as possible and unfortunately we are unable to sponsor a visa.

If you have any queries about the role, please contact. If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact PALS HR Team at.

This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff.

About you

We are seeking someone with a good understanding of behavioural science theories, models and/or frameworks, and demonstrable experience in applying these to conduct research using methods such as quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, focus groups, participatory research and/or conducting systematic literature reviews. The post will require leadership for initiating, conducting, reporting and disseminating the work in collaboration with multidisciplinary research teams and policy-makers. Experience in engaging with non-academic stakeholders such as policy makers, health service providers, and patient groups is desirable. The post holder will also require skills to manage their workload efficiently and work flexibly across multiple projects.

Please note that the selection process is by application and interview – the details of which are below.

Applications should include:

  • CV
  • Cover letter of up to 1 page
  • A writing task: 1 page-long project proposal entitled ‘What might influence the uptake and engagement of an app-based health and wellbeing service delivered using an AI Health Coach’ with detail of background, proposed research methodology and use of behavioural science theories and frameworks.

Interviews:

  • The interviews will be held with the two project leads, Professors Angel Chater and Fabiana Lorencatto.
  • The interviews will be online and be 30 -35 minutes to include a 5 minutes long presentation on the writing task.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits:

  • 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays and 6 closure days)
  • Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
  • Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
  • Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
  • Immigration loan
  • Relocation scheme for certain posts
  • On-Site nursery
  • On-site gym
  • Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
  • Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
  • Discounted medical insurance

Research Assistant / Research Fellow - Behavioural Science in London employer: UCL Eastman Dental Institute

UCL is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly within the Centre for Behaviour Change. Employees benefit from generous leave entitlements, a supportive environment for professional growth, and access to excellent facilities such as an on-site gym and nursery. The opportunity to engage in impactful research projects while working alongside multidisciplinary teams makes this role both meaningful and rewarding.
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Contact Detail:

UCL Eastman Dental Institute Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Assistant / Research Fellow - Behavioural Science in London

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Centre for Behaviour Change and the PRU team. Understanding their projects and values will help you connect during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice makes perfect! Prepare for your interview by rehearsing answers to common questions related to behavioural science and your research experience. This will help you feel more confident and articulate your thoughts clearly.

✨Tip Number 3

Show off your skills! During the interview, highlight your experience with different research methods like qualitative interviews or quantitative surveys. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in real-world scenarios.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role and the team. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!

We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant / Research Fellow - Behavioural Science in London

Behavioural Science Theories
Research Methodology
Quantitative Surveys
Qualitative Interviews
Focus Groups
Participatory Research
Systematic Literature Reviews
Leadership Skills
Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Teams
Engagement with Non-Academic Stakeholders
Workload Management
Flexibility across Multiple Projects
Data Analysis
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in behavioural science and research methods. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects or experiences!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be a one-page masterpiece that connects your background to the job description. Let us know why you’re excited about this role and how you can contribute to our team at the Centre for Behaviour Change.

Nail the Writing Task: For the writing task, focus on clarity and structure. Outline your proposed research methodology clearly and link it back to behavioural science theories. This is your chance to show us your analytical thinking and creativity!

Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the advert early if we get a lot of applications, so get your materials in as soon as you can through our website!

How to prepare for a job interview at UCL Eastman Dental Institute

✨Know Your Behavioural Science

Make sure you brush up on your understanding of behavioural science theories, models, and frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in your previous research projects, as this will show your depth of knowledge and relevance to the role.

✨Prepare for the Presentation

Since you'll need to present your project proposal during the interview, practice delivering it clearly and confidently. Focus on the background, methodology, and how you plan to use behavioural science theories. Keep it engaging and concise to make a strong impression.

✨Engage with Non-Academic Stakeholders

Think about your experiences working with policy makers, health service providers, or patient groups. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've engaged with these stakeholders and the impact it had on your research. This will demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively.

✨Show Your Flexibility and Leadership Skills

Highlight your ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to changing demands. Share examples of how you've taken the lead in research initiatives, from design to dissemination. This will showcase your leadership potential and readiness for the role.

Research Assistant / Research Fellow - Behavioural Science in London
UCL Eastman Dental Institute
Location: London
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