At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team improving mental health services for young people using electronic health records.
- Company: University of Bath, renowned for its commitment to diversity and mental health research.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension schemes, professional development, and local discounts.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career growth and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of neurodivergent youth while advancing your research career.
- Qualifications: PhD in psychology or related field with strong quantitative research skills.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 46049 £ per year.
The Department of Psychology at the University of Bath is seeking a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Research Associate to join the NIHR-funded Bath Mental Health Research Group (£11M).
About the role
The Bath Mental Health Research Group aims to improve mental health and wellbeing in young people aged between 12 and 25 in Bath, North-East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire. This role is embedded within a programme of applied research focused on improving access to, and outcomes from, community mental health services for children and young people, with a particular focus on neurodivergent youth through the use of electronic health records.
The Research Associate will join the project, “Harnessing the power of electronic health records to understand and improve access and outcomes in community mental health services for neurodivergent youth”, led by Dr Katherine Button. There is a substantial gap in mental health provision for children and young people with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and oppositional defiant disorder, which is particularly concerning given their high rates of co-occurring anxiety and/or depression.
Needs and outcome reporting in children and young people’s mental health services is highly variable, making it difficult to build a clear picture of current provision and to identify opportunities for targeted improvement. It is therefore unclear how well these services are meeting the needs of neurodivergent youth, and whether modifications to existing treatments (e.g. adapted CBT) are required. This project aims to use routinely collected health data to better understand current practices, identify opportunities for improvement, and inform future service development.
To address these issues, the Research Associate will work in partnership with the digital technology company Mayden and with community mental health services to produce publications and applied research outputs, including:
- Using routinely collected clinical and administrative mental health data to examine how neurodiversity and co-occurring externalising difficulties are recorded within services for children and young people, the types of interventions received, and whether patterns of access and outcomes differ across groups.
- Conducting quantitative analyses of large-scale health and service-level datasets to address applied research questions relevant to community mental health provision, and contributing to peer-reviewed publications and reports.
- Working with key stakeholders (e.g. NHS services, commissioners, clinicians, young people and carers) to understand data practices and priorities, and contributing to co-production activities aimed at identifying and refining candidate screening and outcome measures suitable for use within electronic health record systems.
- Producing evidence-based recommendations and outputs to inform future service development, data use, and best-practice guidance.
What we're looking for
We welcome applications from candidates who have:
- A PhD in psychology, psychiatry, epidemiology, statistics, data science or related discipline, with a strong quantitative research element.
- Knowledge and experience of mental health research, ideally with children and young people.
- Experience of working with administrative data, electronic health records and/or big data is desirable but not essential.
- Experience with advanced quantitative data analysis and data code (preferably using R or Stata) and a commitment to research integrity, reproducibility, and open research.
- Excellent team working, communication, and time management skills.
- While prior experience of working with electronic health records or administrative data is desirable, candidates with strong quantitative skills and a demonstrable interest in applied mental health research are encouraged to apply.
Additional information
We have one position available offered on a full time (36.5 hours per week) fixed-term basis for an initial period of 3 years. Informal enquiries about this role should be directed to Dr Katherine Button. A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparable reduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title to Research Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fill the Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six months of their course completion date and will be promoted to Research Associate once their PhD has been awarded.
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 equity 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. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.
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:
- Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app.
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance.
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym.
- Staff benefits include discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses, alongside a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning, and more.
- Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath.
- 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.
Be Well at Bath
We’re committed to creating a health-supporting working environment where everyone can thrive and be at their best. We offer a range of resources to enable you to do that from your first day here, including:
- Staff support groups and networks.
- A network of Staff Wellbeing Champions.
- A suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive.
Closing Date: 05 Jul 2026
Department: Education & Research
Salary: £38,784 to £46,049
Research Associate (ED13705) - 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 promotes employee wellbeing. With a strong commitment to professional development, generous benefits including a substantial annual leave allowance, and a supportive environment for research in mental health, the University provides a meaningful opportunity for growth and impact in the community. Located in the picturesque city of Bath, employees enjoy a rich cultural experience alongside their professional journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate (ED13705) - Bath, BA2 7AY
✨Get Involved in Local Psychological Communities
Join local psychology associations or groups where professionals gather. Whether it’s workshops, conferences, or social events, connecting with others in the field can lead to job opportunities and insider info on unadvertised openings.
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If you’re a recent graduate, don’t forget to tap into your university’s career services. They often have exclusive partnerships with organisations looking for fresh talents, plus access to internships that could lead to full-time roles.
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Create a blog or a LinkedIn page where you share insights about psychology theories or current trends. This not only showcases your knowledge but can help you connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers.
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When you find a role like Research Associate (ED13705) - Bath, BA2 7AY at University of Bath, make your application stand out by applying directly through our website. This gives you a better chance to be seen by hiring managers. Plus, tailor your application to highlight your passion for psychology and relevant experiences!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate (ED13705) - Bath, BA2 7AY
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 University of Bath 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 University of Bath
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with University of Bath, 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 University of Bath 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 University of Bath that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.
