Research Associate in Behavioural Science and Cancer Screening

Location: St Mary’s Campus, Paddington / Hybrid

About the role:

The Institute of Global Health Innovation (IGHI), led by Professor Ara Darzi, is seeking to appoint a Research Associate in behavioural science in cancer screening. The role holder will conduct and support a funded research study working with a Local Authority (LA) to set up and run a Community Engagement study to improve the uptake of breast cancer screening. This project will be working with Hounslow Local Authority’s Public Health team. Imperial in collaboration with Hounslow LA have received an NIHR Public Health Research grant for a 3.5-year quasi-experimental study to explore whether a community engagement campaign delivering a package of behavioural science informed intervention materials (leaflet, wallet card, bus stop adverts, animated video) through community champions within a LA improves uptake of breast cancer screening on a population and subgroup level compared to non-participating LAs.

What you would be doing:

As a core member of the research team, you will aim to make a real-world impact on the uptake of an important preventative healthcare service – breast cancer screening.

• Supporting the development, implementation and evaluation of the intervention with a focus on recruiting and training community champions and overseeing the community engagement campaign.
• Run focus group discussions with community champions and conduct surveys in the community and at breast cancer screening clinics.
• Research activities will take place in person in Hounslow (you must be willing to travel).
• Supporting literature reviews, ethics applications, recruitment, workshop organisation and facilitation, and analysis of data.
• Work closely with colleagues at Imperial and Hounslow LA to recruit, train and oversee community champions, facilitate PPIE (Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement) meetings and evaluate intervention outcomes.
• You will assist with writing of reports and academic papers and presenting findings to colleagues and stakeholders.
• You will be part of a team led by Dr Gaby Judah (PI) and work closely with colleagues at Hounslow LA, as well as a wider team across Imperial.

What we are looking for:

• You will hold a PhD in behavioural science or a closely related discipline (Psyhcology, Anthropology, Sociology).
• Advanced knowledge of research methods, particularly in qualitative research, including interviews, focus groups and thematic analysis. Experience with participatory methods and PPIE is desirable.
• Excellent communication skills and be confident in developing good working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Motivated team player, working together with the goal to achieve the Centres objectives.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Work within a group of researchers working on behavioural science in health and healthcare.
• Grow your career: Gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Training opportunities working collaboratively across IGHI
• 10 development days to pursue additional training relevant to your career

Further Information

This is a full-time, fixed-term role based at St Mary’s Campus.

Candidate would be required to begin work by August 2025.

If you require any further details on the role please contact:

Gaby Judah – g.judah@imperial.ac.uk.

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