Research Associate (Fixed Term)

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated postdoctoral research associate with training and experience evaluating and delivering health behaviour change interventions and an interest in the psychology of obesity and weight management. You will take a lead role in a 5-year multi-disciplinary research programme led by Dr Amy Ahern and funded by an NIHR Programme Grant for Applied Research. This research programme will evaluate an acceptance-based guided self-help intervention to support weight loss maintenance. It builds on a successful feasibility study of the Supporting Weight Management (SWiM) intervention (DOI: 10.2196/31801)  and will further refine, adapt and evaluate this intervention to provide evidence needed for implementation within the NHS.

You will have responsibility for leading adaptations to the SWiM intervention and undertaking mixed methods process evaluation of a large randomised controlled trial (N=1844). You will also train and supervise the health coaches employed to deliver the "guide" element of guided self-help during the trial.

The successful candidate will have a PhD or equivalent qualification in psychology or behavioural science and demonstrable experience in undertaking high quality qualitative and mixed methods research. Applicants should have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to build and maintain excellent working relationships with collaborators, stakeholders and team members.

This is an NIHR career capacity building position that is intended to increase capacity in interdisciplinary research and implementation science for practitioner psychologists who have an interest and experience in obesity. It would be an ideal position for  a qualified (or near qualified) Health Psychologist or someone with similar training and experience. Substantial support will be provided for professional development in research and practice, with a bespoke professional development plan based on your skills, experience and career aspirations. You will become a member of the NIHR Academy and will have access to associated training and mentorship opportunities.

The appointment will be made on a fixed-term basis for a period of 5 years in order to undertake a specific project of finite duration. A timely start to this project is desired and candidates should indicate their earliest potential start date on application.

Please contact Dr Amy Ahern (Amy.Ahern@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk) for informal enquiries.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 5 years in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a standard Disclosure and Barring Service check.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the apply button above.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and a CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

The closing date for applications is: 20th August 2024

The interview date for the role is: Likely to be Monday 2nd and Tuesday 3rd September 2024.

Please quote reference SJ42558 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.