Postdoctoral Research Associate in Autism and Cancer Care Grade 7

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Autism and Cancer Care Grade 7

We are looking for a fixed-term researcher to work on a 12-month North West Cancer Research funded project exploring the experiences of autistic adults living with cancer. This will involve interviews and workshops with autistic people with cancer, their relatives and staff who care for them. In these interviews, we will aim to understand the patients\’ experiences, the things that make accessing healthcare easy or difficult for them and how local cancer services can support them better. Through the workshops, we will aim to find a solution to some of the barriers that they may face.

This is a participatory research project and therefore you will work closely with an autistic co‑researcher group to make sure our research benefits local people. You will be supported by a team of researchers from the University of Liverpool and local NHS Trusts.

We have already received favourable ethical approval and have begun interviews.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct interviews and workshops with autistic adults with cancer, relatives, and healthcare staff.
• Analyse qualitative data to identify barriers and facilitators to accessing cancer care.
• Work with an autistic co‑researcher group to ensure the research benefits local people.
• Assist with recruitment, data collection and other research‑related tasks as agreed with the Principal Investigator.
• Contribute to the dissemination of research findings.

Required experience and qualifications

• Conducting research with autistic people or people with cancer and/or long‑term health conditions.
• Working with minoritised or seldom‑heard groups.
• Qualitative data collection and analysis.
• Dissemination of research findings.
• Relevant PhD qualification and experience of conducting qualitative research.

The post is available for 12 months, starting 1 January 2026. This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS) clearance. You will be based at the University of Liverpool and will work directly with Dr Gemma Cherry and Dr Jennifer Kirton. Recruitment and data collection will necessitate travel within the North West of England and therefore a degree of flexibility in working hours is required. If you are still awaiting your PhD to be awarded you will be appointed at Grade 6, spine point 30. Upon written confirmation that you have been awarded your PhD, your salary will be increased to Grade 7, spine point 31.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Liverpool is committed to enhancing workforce diversity. We actively seek to attract, develop, and retain colleagues with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all genders/gender identities, Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, individuals living with a disability, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.