Research Associate PDG Trial

Vacancy terms: Full-time, or job share considered, fixed term contract until 30 September 2025

Hours per week: 37.5

About the role

We are looking for a proactive and enthusiastic Research Associate to lead the day-to-day delivery of an NIHR-funded Program Development Grant (PDG) for dysphagia screening in older adults. This role is essential to developing a comprehensive Program Grant for Applied Research application, laying the foundation for a five-year initiative that will explore the safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of routine dysphagia screening in healthcare settings.

You will work closely with esteemed co-principal investigators and expert collaborators, including Professor David Wright from the University of Leicester, Dr Lizelle Bernhardt from Leicester Partnership Trust, and other national experts in dysphagia. Key responsibilities include developing and managing research activities, performing a systematic review, designing a core outcome set, and preparing the final grant application. Additionally, you will play a significant role in impact generation and knowledge exchange, including co-authoring research papers and presenting findings at national and international conferences.

About you

To excel in this role, you will need to have completed a PhD (or have submitted a PhD thesis) in a relevant healthcare or research field. Demonstrable experience in funded health services research, knowledge of behavioural science theories, and the ability to develop and apply analytical techniques are essential. Ideally, you will have experience in systematic reviews and working with older, frail populations in clinical settings.

You will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information to both academic and lay audiences. A commitment to continuous professional development and teamwork is essential, alongside a strong capacity for independent research. Experience with stakeholder engagement, budget management, and qualitative data analysis would be beneficial, especially with NVIVO software.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Professor David Wright on d.j.wright@leicester.ac.uk.

Applications for job share will be considered.

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world. 

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive. 

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Advert closes midnight on: 10 December 2024

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