Research Associate

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £32,546 to £35,116 with potential progression once in post to £39,355

Hours: Part Time (22.5 hours per week)

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to May 2027

Background

The project focuses on understanding how people who have experienced childhood trauma maintain or restore their mental health in adulthood. It applies the salutogenic model of health, which emphasises resilience and coping mechanisms rather than only focusing on pathology. This is an emerging area with limited research and the study aims to address a key gap by identifying protective factors that promote mental well-being.

The study involves a scoping review, qualitative interviews and co-design workshops to develop recommendations for services and professionals. It will examine how different factors (biological, psychological, interpersonal and sociocultural) contribute to resilience. The ultimate goal is to create practical guidance for professionals working with individuals who have experienced childhood trauma.

The research is led by the University of Birmingham’s School of Nursing and Midwifery and the Institute for Mental Health. The university has strong partnerships with NHS services and community organisations, ensuring the research has a real-world impact. The project is part of a broader programme of work focused on mental health, trauma and safeguarding.

The Research Associate will play a key role in data collection and analysis, contributing to different phases of the study. The role is ideal for candidates with experience in qualitative research, trauma-informed approaches and mental health studies. The successful applicant will work within an interdisciplinary team including academics, practitioners and experts by experience.

Role summary

• Work closely with experts by experience, practitioners and researchers to explore how people who have experienced childhood trauma maintain or restore their mental health.
• Deliver innovative mixed methods research through data collection, analysis and publication.
• Engage directly with survivors and professionals through qualitative interviews and co-design workshops, using trauma-informed methods.
• Receive mentorship from experienced researchers in mental health, trauma and salutogenesis, with opportunities to develop advanced research skills.
• Gain support to develop proposals for further research funding applications.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Honours degree in a relevant discipline such as psychology, mental health, social sciences or a related field, or equivalent demonstrable experience in research.
• Knowledge and experience of qualitative research methods, particularly in mental health or applied health research, including conducting interviews, thematic analysis and co-design approaches.
• Experience of working with people with lived experience of mental health challenges in research or practice settings, demonstrating sensitivity to trauma-informed approaches.
• High-level analytical capability, with the ability to interpret and synthesise qualitative data.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly to different audiences, including academics, practitioners and people with lived experience.

Informal enquiries can be made to Nutmeg Hallett, email: n.n.hallett@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment
We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

Closes: 02/04/2025

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