Research Assistant (Part Time, Fixed Term)

We wish to appoint a Research Assistant working 18.5 to 37 hours per week (0.5 to 1 FTE) to join the Timely Team in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, on a 1-year fixed term contract with the possibility of extension to 18 months.

The Timely Team is working to build digitally supported pathways for early identification and prevention of mental health problems in children and young people. As part of this project, you will contribute to research that has the potential to significantly improve mental healthcare pathways, collaborating with multiple agencies and industry, and make a meaningful impact on children's mental health.

The appointee will work closely with two Research Associates co-leading one of the project's workstreams, focusing on qualitative research activities relating to pathway design and on patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE). The appointee will further support and work with the wider team led by Dr Anna Moore. This role is funded by the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship.

The role involves supporting a three-stage research study, including interviews, focus groups, and workshops with various stakeholders as well as PPIE activities managed by the CA:RING (Children and Adolescents: Research Involvement for the Next Generation) community (https://ca-ring.co.uk/). The overarching aim is to develop a blueprint for novel digital pathways for early identification and prevention of mental health problems among children and adolescents in England. The study is part of a larger project, Timely, providing the groundwork for further activities and coinciding with simultaneous work in data curation and ethics. Key responsibilities include literature reviews, qualitative data collection and analysis, preparing presentations, and contributing to publications. The Research Assistant will also support administrative tasks for the team. The role currently requires attendance at the Cambridge office at least once per week, with the possibility of increased in-person meetings in the future. Additionally, there may be occasional travel for PPIE activities. This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop research skills in a cutting-edge field, with all necessary training provided.

Candidates should have a degree in a relevant field of study, familiarity with qualitative research methods, and prior experience of working with members of the public and/or young people. 

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Robert Pralat at rp422@cam.ac.uk or Anna Wiedemann at aw778@cam.ac.uk.

Limit of tenure: 12 months with the possibility of extension to 18 months

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment and 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 outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role on the online application form.

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

Please quote reference RN43031 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.

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