At a Glance
- Tasks: Support innovative research on social anxiety interventions for autistic individuals.
- Company: Join the University of Bath's dynamic Department of Psychology.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Part-time role with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: PhD in Psychology or related field; experience with autism and inclusive research preferred.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 46049 € per year.
The Department of Psychology is seeking a skilled and highly motivated post-doctoral research associate to support a new project investigating the development and effectiveness of an adapted cognitive behavioural intervention for social anxiety disorder for autistic people.
About the role
The project, co-led by Professor Ailsa Russell at University of Bath and Dr Emma Warnock-Parkes at University of Oxford, will co-produce and evaluate the effectiveness of an empirically informed cognitive behavioural intervention for social anxiety disorder with autistic people. There will be two main phases to the project:
- The adapted intervention and therapist training materials will be developed in Year 1 through co-production meetings, individual/small group consultations with varied engagement methods. This will be followed by refinement of the adapted intervention using a multiple baseline pilot case series.
- The effectiveness of the intervention will be investigated via a cluster randomised controlled trial in NHS services commencing at the start of Year 2 of the project.
The post holder will be actively involved in:
- Co-ordination of co-production endeavours with the PIs and PPIE co-applicant leads.
- Design, preparation and piloting of research materials in collaboration with the clinical trials unit.
- Liaising with NHS sites.
- Training and supporting research assistants to work to protocol.
- Preparing manuscripts for publication as relevant to research stage e.g. protocols, qualitative and mixed methods findings from case series and co-production.
The post holder will join the Centre for Applied Autism Research (CAAR) at the University of Bath. They will be encouraged and supported in pursuing career development opportunities. As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year.
Ideal candidate
We welcome applications from candidates who have:
- A PhD or professional doctoral qualification in Psychology or related discipline.
- Experience or interest in the field of autism and/or mental health.
- Experience of inclusive research practices.
- Experience of mixed methods data collection (interviews, surveys) and analysis techniques (e.g. reflexive thematic analysis, quantitative approaches).
- Experience of conducting research with autistic people is desirable.
- Excellent team working, communication, and time management skills.
Additional information
We have one position available offered on a part time (22.5 hours per week), fixed-term basis. The post is funded for 24 months. Due to the research involving clinical populations, an Enhanced DBS check will be required for this post. The post will require some travel to meetings and NHS sites.
We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university.
What we can offer you
We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:
- Free counselling services through Health Assured.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym.
- Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees.
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes.
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance.
- A wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and more.
- Free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath.
- Local discounts and more.
- A family-friendly workplace.
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce.
- Relocation allowance.
- Visa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses.
Closing Date: 20 May 2026
Department: Education & Research
Salary: £38,784 to £46,049
Research Associate (ED13589) - Bath, BA2 7AY employer: University of Bath
The University of Bath is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that celebrates diversity and fosters professional growth. As a Research Associate, you will benefit from generous annual leave, extensive professional development opportunities, and a supportive environment that prioritises work-life balance, all while contributing to meaningful research in the field of autism and mental health.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate (ED13589) - Bath, BA2 7AY
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of psychology and autism research. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Research Associate role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of cognitive behavioural interventions and their application in autism. Be ready to discuss your experience with mixed methods data collection and how it relates to the role. Show them you’re not just a fit on paper but also in practice!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your teamwork skills! The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, so be prepared to share examples of how you’ve successfully worked in teams before. Highlight your communication skills and how they’ve helped you in past projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities there, so keep checking back for new roles that match your skills and interests.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate (ED13589) - Bath, BA2 7AY
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in psychology, autism, and mental health. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Showcase Your Research Skills:Since this role involves mixed methods data collection and analysis, be sure to mention any specific techniques you’ve used. We’re keen to know about your experience with interviews, surveys, and thematic analysis, so let us know what you’ve got!
Highlight Teamwork and Communication:This position requires excellent team working and communication skills. Share examples of how you’ve collaborated with others in research settings or any relevant projects. We love seeing candidates who can work well with diverse teams!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the project and the methodologies involved. Familiarise yourself with cognitive behavioural interventions and their application to social anxiety disorder, especially in autistic individuals. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous research experiences, particularly any work related to autism or mental health. Be ready to share examples of inclusive research practices and mixed methods data collection you've conducted. This will help demonstrate that you’re a great fit for the team.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
During the interview, don’t just answer questions—engage in a dialogue. Ask insightful questions about the project, the team dynamics, and how they envision the role evolving. This shows that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Since this role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, emphasise your teamwork and communication skills. Share specific instances where you successfully worked in a team setting, especially in research contexts. This will reassure them that you can thrive in their collaborative environment.
