RF Behavioural Science of Cancer Inequalities in Primary Care

Behavioural Science and Early Diagnosis of Cancer Group

Our group has expertise in understanding uptake of cancer screening (focusing on colorectal and cervical screening), communication and decision-making in screening, measuring patient experiences, and assessing knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about cancer. Our research projects are supported by competitively acquired funding by NIHR, Cancer Research UK, and the International Cancer Alliance for Early Detection of Cancer.

About the role

Make a real-world impact on cancer inequalities

Are you passionate about using behavioural science to tackle health inequalities? Join UCL’s world-leading Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care as a Research Fellow and contribute to a pioneering international project focused on early cancer detection and reducing socioeconomic disparities in diagnosis and outcomes.

This role is part of the International Alliance on Early Detection of Cancer (ACED) and offers the opportunity to work across a multi-method, interdisciplinary programme. You’ll help shape the future of cancer care by identifying barriers to early diagnosis and co-developing innovative, community-informed interventions.

What you’ll do

• Lead the development and testing of behavioural vignettes to explore help-seeking barriers.
• Collaborate with patients, public panels, and healthcare professionals through co-design workshops and simulations.
• Drive inclusive recruitment strategies via online platforms and mobile research units.
• Analyse data and publish findings in high-impact journals.
• Coordinate public engagement and dissemination activities to ensure research reaches those who need it most.

Application Details:

• This is an open-ended contract with fixed-term funding until 31^st of December 2027 in the first instance. Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Research Assistant Grade 6B (£38,607 - £41,255 incl London allowance) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.
• This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.

Application Process:.

• A full job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.
• Please use the personal statement section to explain how you meet each of the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the person specification

Contact Details:

• If you have any queries regarding the vacancy or the application process, please contact Christian von Wagner (c.wagner@ucl.ac.uk)
• If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact Maria Kristensen (m.kristensen@ucl.ac.uk)

About you

• A PhD (or equivalent experience) in Health Psychology or a related discipline.
• Strong experience in setting up research studies, using survey tools (e.g. Qualtrics), and conducting both quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Knowledge of cancer early detection, health inequalities, and community health services.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and project coordination skills.

What we offer

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits, visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent..

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here : https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/

Customer advert reference: B02-09146

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