Research Associate

Department
This post is based in the International Centre for Mental Health Social Research (ICMHSR) in the School for Business and Society. Researchers in ICMHSR investigate social approaches to mental health problems and draw upon a variety of methods in their work, from non-participant observations in ethnography to structured interviews in randomised controlled trials, for example. They work in close collaboration with practitioners, service users and carers.

The postholder will work on a project funded by a NIHR Programme Development Grant to explore how best to provide mental health services to Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) communities. In the project, two community organisations will try out different ways of asking GRT communities about mental health and what they think ‘good’ support looks like. This will include community events and one-to-one conversations. With the research team and people from the community, we will look at how well these different ways of asking work, so we understand which ones to use in the future. We will also use what we learn about mental health to design a way of offering mental health support to GRT communities that fits with what they need.

Role
The role will be to work closely with Dr Laura Tucker in the delivery of the project. It will involve building relationships with GRT community members, including the community researchers, to help facilitate the project. The Research Associate will support this process and will undertake community engagement work, supporting peer researchers, community consultation and co-designing mental health approaches in partnership with the two GRT community organisations.

This is a fixed-term contract until 28 February 2026.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed

• Knowledge of applied mental health social research to engage in high quality research.
• Knowledge of a range of research techniques and methodologies.
• Highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with a wide-ranging audience, both orally and in writing, using a range of media.
• Experience of working with marginalised or disadvantaged groups.
• Experience of carrying out both independent and collaborative research.
• Interest in and enthusiasm for the subject matter of the project.

Interview date: to be confirmed.

For informal enquiries: please contact Dr Laura Tucker on laura.tucker@york.ac.uk.

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

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