Research Associate

Hours: Part Time (18.75 hours per week)

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to April 2027

Background

We are seeking a developing post-doctoral researcher to join the PURSUIT study, a research project funded by the NIHR Research for Patient Benefit programme, with the aim of developing and refining a multi-component behaviour change intervention for reducing delay and increasing identification of work-related asthma in primary care. 

With support, you will lead qualitative behavioural research within two specified work packages in the programme, comprising (1) interviews with patients with and primary healthcare professionals to understand barriers and enablers of identification of work-related asthma, and (2) refinement of new behaviour change techniques using thematic analysis of focus groups with patients and healthcare professionals. You will also work closely with the rest of the research team, and contribute to mapping of barriers and enablers using COM-B categories and the behaviour change wheel model, and identification and selection of behaviour change techniques. 

Role Summary

• Work within the NIHR-funded PURSUIT study and with its team of co-applicants
• Operate within area of specialism (qualitative research, behavioural science)
• Analyse and interpret data and research findings and results 
• Contribute to generating patient information, academic publications, and policy reports
• Contribute to public understanding of behavioural science, occupational respiratory health, and inequalities 

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Support behaviour change and/or qualitative research methodologies
• Contribute to designing protocols, data collection tools like topic guides, and ethics applications
• Identify, recruit and consent research participants
• Collect qualitative data in a sensitive manner following established protocols
• Conduct literature searching and reviewing, with support
• Contribute to public involvement activities
• Analyse qualitative data using established and rigorous analytic methods, with support
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding and that ensures pathways are accessible and inclusive

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: qualitative research, behaviour change, and/or respiratory medicine
• A basic understanding of the behaviour change wheel model
• Capable of working sensitively with under-served populations 
• Analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Excellent ability to work as a team and independently including co-ordinating own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 

Informal enquiries to Gareth Walters, email: g.i.walters@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.

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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

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