Research Assistant in Psychology

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The role

An exciting opportunity for a part-time research assistant to work on a Dunhill Medical Trust funded project developing materials to train a link worker to work with middle-aged and older adults with cerebral palsy has arisen. As part of this role you will work closely with our project partners UP – The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement (https://upmovement.org.uk/) and a team of clinicians and researchers based at UCLH, Brunel University London, and The University of Sussex.

The role involves mapping literature on ageing with cerebral palsy and searching for community organisations who could support people with cerebral palsy in North Central London. You will also support with the co-designing of training materials for a specialised link worker, helping draft an ethics application and assist in developing engaging materials to share our project outcomes with the public. Finally, you will support with the analysis of interview data. You will also work closely with expert advisory groups and stakeholders to ensure an impactful project. 

The position is available starting January 2025 at the University of Surrey, Guildford, UK, under the supervision of Dr Kimberley Smith and Dr Erica Ranzato.

About you

A BSc in psychology, gerontology, disability studies, sociology or health sciences is desirable, though we would consider other relevant backgrounds. We actively encourage applications from candidates who are from under-represented groups (particularly those living with a disability or long-term condition). We are looking for someone with:

• An interest in developing their research on ageing with a lifelong disability
• Excellent research skills that will support with literature searching and mapping community support organisations
• Excellent written and oral communication skills 
• The ability to work collaboratively with people from a range of backgrounds
• The ability to work independently 
• Experience in qualitative research 
• Experience in applying for research ethics
• Experience in social media managing

How to apply

Please apply through the online portal at the University of Surrey (please note only applications submitted through the portal will be considered). For any informal queries please contact Dr Kimberley Smith: kimberley.j.smith@surrey.ac.uk 

Interviews will be held on Wednesday11th December

Further details

We can offer a generous remuneration package, which includes relocation assistance where appropriate, an attractive research environment, the latest teaching facilities, and access to a variety of staff development opportunities.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all.  We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community.  Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.

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