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- Tasks: Lead innovative research to develop a VR treatment for substance use and mental health.
- Company: University of Dundee, a leader in health research and innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Join a groundbreaking project that combines technology and mental health to improve lives.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and experience in healthcare research.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for impactful research and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Posted on 29 January 2026 | Reference: UOD2131
Faculty of Health, University of Dundee. The position is for 18.75 hours per week on a fixed term contract until 31 July 2028. The post holder will act as the researcher for the following study funded by the Chief Scientist Office Scotland: Study title "Improving outcomes for people with problem substance use and poor mental health: Co‑designing psychological treatment delivered inside Virtual Reality nature".
The project aims to develop a virtual reality (VR) nature intervention that allows practitioners to deliver psychological treatment to people with problematic substance use (PSU) who can access it at home anonymously via a head‑mounted device. The intervention will be co‑designed with people with lived experience of PSU and poor mental health and delivered by practitioners in drug and alcohol services.
Key responsibilities:
- Run co‑design workshops to adapt a subset of SMART Recovery's mutual aid, peer support psychological treatment so that it can be delivered inside VR.
- Co‑produce VR to deliver the adapted psychological treatment and a Manual to go with it.
- Have practitioners and people with PSU test the adapted psychological treatment delivered inside VR to assess safety, feasibility, accessibility and acceptability and to determine whether it improves mood and reduces anxiety.
- Lead operational research activities including project administration, recruiting and consenting participants, organising workshops and taking field notes, administering questionnaires, conducting think‑aloud and semi‑structured interviews, conducting thematic analysis of qualitative data and presenting descriptive statistics of quantitative data, and writing reports and the intervention Manual.
- Travel within the Scotland central belt as needed.
Essential and desirable criteria:
- Completed or about to complete a PhD in a relevant subject such as behavioural science, psychology, virtual reality healthcare digital technologies, or a related field, and experience in conducting research to doctoral standard.
- Experience in developing and evaluating complex healthcare interventions.
- Comfort with peer research and co‑design methodological approaches and experience working with people with lived experience of problematic substance use and poor mental health.
- Desirable experience working in addiction or mental health settings (not essential).
For a discussion about this position, please contact Dr Gill Hubbard at gill.hubbard@dundee.ac.uk.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow - UOD2131 in Dundee employer: University of Dundee
Contact Detail:
University of Dundee Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Fellow - UOD2131 in Dundee
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those who have experience with VR and mental health. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your research projects, especially any work related to psychological treatments or VR. This gives potential employers a tangible sense of what you can bring to the table. We love seeing creativity and initiative!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to your research experience and co-design methodologies. Think about how you can articulate your past work with people who have lived experience of PSU and mental health. We want to hear your passion and expertise shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for candidates who are genuinely interested in making a difference in the field of mental health and substance use. Let’s make an impact together!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Fellow - UOD2131 in Dundee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in behavioural science, psychology, or virtual reality healthcare. We want to see how your background aligns with the project’s goals, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Research Skills: Since this role involves conducting research to doctoral standards, be sure to detail your previous research experiences. We’re particularly interested in any work you’ve done with co-design methodologies or with people who have lived experience of problematic substance use.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your passion for improving mental health outcomes shines through!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Dundee
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the study you'll be working on. Familiarise yourself with the concepts of psychological treatment, virtual reality applications in healthcare, and the nuances of problematic substance use. This will not only show your passion but also your readiness to contribute meaningfully.
✨Prepare for Co-Design Discussions
Since the role involves running co-design workshops, think about how you would facilitate these sessions. Prepare examples of how you've engaged with participants in previous research, especially those with lived experience. This will demonstrate your ability to connect and collaborate effectively.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Bring examples of past projects where you conducted thematic analysis or presented descriptive statistics. This will highlight your capability to handle the operational research activities required for this position.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the project and its goals. Inquire about the challenges they foresee in implementing the VR intervention or how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
