Research Assistant

Location: Stirling Campus
Contract Type: Fixed term for 42 months           
Working Pattern: Part time (50%FTE)

The Post

This is an exciting opportunity for someone to contribute to a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funded Randomised Controlled Trial in the area of managing drug dependence. The trial is being led by Professor Catriona Matheson at the Centre for Healthcare and Community Research (CHeCR) at the University of Stirling, in close collaboration with The Centre for Healthcare Randomised Trials (CHaRT), University of Aberdeen. This project aims to reduce the use of high-risk street benzodiazepines, which contribute to drug related deaths in people who are also enrolled in Opiate Agonist Treatment (OAT) e.g. methadone. The trial includes at least six sites across Scotland and England with a built-in pilot study, process evaluation and toxicology surveillance study. The research assistant will work closely with the trial’s senior researcher across the needs of the study, with a particular focus on the toxicology study including drug surveillance and scanning and supporting project meetings. They will also contribute to literature reviewing, quantitative data analysis, ongoing communication, report writing and dissemination of outputs. This is a rare opportunity to join an excellent multidisciplinary team from across the UK. Details on the trial team can be found here: https://www.fundingawards.nihr.ac.uk/award/NIHR163461

There may be potential to undertake a PhD study linked to the project. The post holder will be expected to work from the University campus at least two days per week.

Description of Duties

• Undertake surveillance of data sources around new ‘street’ benzodiazepines
• Liaise with external organisations to identify emerging new ‘street’ benzodiazepines that emerge in the UK market over the course of the trial including Public Health Scotland (RADAR), The Specialist Police harm surveillance team, and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA)
• Review monthly testing results from specialist toxicology lab
• Scanning the academic literature for other relevant research

Essential Criteria

Qualifications:

• First, or upper second class, degree in Pharmacology/ Public Health/Pharmacy/Biomedical Science/ Health sciences or other relevant subject area, or relevant experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• Understanding of pharmacology
• Competence in use of quantitative software including Excel and at least one statistical package
• Experience of reviewing academic literature

For further information, including a full description of duties, essential criteria and details on how to apply, please click the ‘Apply’ button above.

Closing date: 29/06/2025 

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