Senior Research Assistant

About the project:

The post-holder will work on an NIHR-funded project investigating the feasibility of cough control therapy for people with Interstitial Lung Disease associated chronic cough. Cough control therapy has been shown to be effective at improving cough and its associated impacts on quality of life for people with refractory chronic cough, however little is known about whether it is effective for people with Interstitial Lung Disease. This study aims to explore the feasibility of delivering cough control therapy for people with Interstitial Lung Disease across Manchester Foundation NHS Trust and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. It is hoped that in the future following this study this may lead to a future substantive study to explore the effectiveness of this intervention for people with Interstitial Lung Disease.

You will work within the Department of Health Professions in the Faculty of Health and Education at Manchester Metropolitan University under the supervision of Dr Sarah Chamberlain Mitchell and Professor Gillian Yeowell at Manchester Metropolitan University, and the UK-wide project team. This is a vibrant department conducting extensive research involving clinical physical rehabilitation

About the role:

We are recruiting a senior research assistant for a day a week (either Tuesday or Thursday) for a time-limited project (finishing in March 2026). You will be based at Manchester Metropolitan University but may be required to travel to Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester Foundation NHS Trust at times.

The senior research assistant will lead on conducting, analysing and writing up the interviews for the study to explore participants' motivation to take part in the study, reasons for adherence and non-adherence, their opinions on the acceptability of cough control therapy, enablers and barriers to the therapy and reasons for non-completion if they don't complete the study. This is an important aspect of the study as we aim to collect key information which will help us shape this treatment for future studies and ultimately change patients' treatment for Interstitial Lung Disease associated chronic cough.

About the candidate:

We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive colleague who has experience of qualitative research methods and specifically conducting and analysing interviews previously. You will have strong communication skills, the ability to prioritise workload to meet deadlines and a passion for research.  You will be required within the role to complete and keep up to date your Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training and Disclosure and Barring service check.

To apply:

If you would like to apply, please take the time to consider the essential criteria in the job description and provide us with a CV that demonstrates your suitability for the role.

For informal enquiries please contact Dr Sarah Chamberlain Mitchell at s.chamberlain.mitchell@mmu.ac.uk

Manchester Met University is committed to creating an intentionally inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We understand the importance of having a diverse workforce and the benefits it can bring to ensuring diversity of thought and innovation in everything we do. We, therefore, encourage applications from our local and international communities, in particular people from ethnic minority groups, disabled people and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.

Advert information