Research Assistant

Fixed term - available from from 1^st October 2024 - for 12 months in the first instance

Full Time - 35 hours per week

Location: Usher Building, 5-7 Little France Road, Edinburgh BioQuarter - Gate 3, Edinburgh, EH16 4UX

The Centre for Population Health Sciences at the Usher Institute, within The University of Edinburgh, is looking for a Research Assistant to work on a range of high impact and innovative research projects. The main project this post will support is an MRC PHIND (Medical Research Council, Public Health Intervention Development Study) study to prevent vaping in young people. In addition to this, the post holder will support other projects which are part of the research team’s portfolio. Currently this includes: a process evaluation of a paracetamol overdose study; prevention of gambling harm in secondary schools; and a feasibility study to support people in recovery from problematic drug or alcohol use to cut down or stop smoking.

The Opportunity:

This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated and pro-active individual to gain research, project management, and topic expertise in applied public health research. Working with a highly experienced team of academics and third sector colleagues, the successful candidate will gain applied experience in complex health behaviour change intervention design and evaluation, particularly process evaluation. The successful candidate will require research skills in conducting and analysing qualitative or quantitative research and report writing. In addition to this, they will also have strong organisational skills to set up and co-ordinate team members to assist with fieldwork. You will have a Masters degree in a relevant area and be able to demonstrate initiative, resourcefulness and a proactive approach to help plan and conduct original research with a range of stakeholders.

Informal enquiries may be directed to Dr. Fiona Dobbie, Senior Lecturer and Director of Research for the Usher Institute, fiona.dobbie@ed.ac.uk

We will consider requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular (weekly) on-campus working. The Usher Institute expects a minimum of 40% on-campus working.

Your skills and attributes for success:

• Ability to work as part of multidisciplinary team 
• Ability to work alongside people from marginalized or underserved groups 
• Ability to work independently but to know when to ask for help and support
• To have a genuine interest in applied public health research and willingness to develop skills in research, analysis and dissemination.

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