Research Associate

The Department of Psychology is seeking a skilled and highly motivated post-doctoral research associate to support a 19-month National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funded project to adapt an existing digital health intervention (Healthy-Paths) to support people living with type 2 diabetes experiencing diabetes distress. 

About the role

A core focus of the project is on how the intervention might address user needs among groups likely to be at risk of diabetes distress & digital exclusion (e.g. socioeconomically disadvantaged & ethnically diverse populations, limited digital literacy, restricted internet access). 

The project is led by Dr Charlotte Dack (University of Bath) and Dr Jamie Ross (Queen Mary University of London). 

There will be three stages to the project: 

• A scoping review to synthesise the evidence on experience, engagement, & perceptions of digital health interventions for managing diabetes distress in people living with type 2 diabetes. 
• Qualitative interviews to explore i) experiences & needs of people living with type 2 diabetes regarding digital health interventions for diabetes distress and ii) health care professionals perspectives on implementing digital health interventions in routine NHS care.
• User testing and Co-Design workshops to develop and optimise the digital health intervention (Healthy Paths) by integrating user-centred feedback to better meet the needs of people experiencing digital distress. 

As the Qualitative and Co-Design Lead at Bath, you will drive the design and development process — leading the qualitative research and co-design, ensuring regional diversity and integrating health psychology principles. 

You will also lead on translating user insights into guiding principles for the intervention features, and managing iterative refinements. 

You will play a key role in shaping the digital solution, working closely with a design company to ensure it is intuitive, inclusive, and aligned with NHS pathways. 

Acting as the bridge between users, healthcare professionals, and developers, you will ensure that real-world needs are embedded into the intervention from start to finish. 

This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of digital health innovation, with a strong focus on equity, accessibility, and real-world impact.

About you

We welcome applications from candidates who have:

• A PhD in Psychology or related discipline
• Experience or interest in the field of health psychology
• Experience of qualitative data collection (interviews, focus groups) and analysis techniques (e.g. reflexive thematic analysis)
• Experience of co-design
• Experience of conducting research involving people living with diabetes and health care professionals is desirable
• Excellent team working, communication, and time management skills. 

Additional information

We have one position available offered on a full time (36.5 hours per week) fixed-term basis. 

The post is funded until 31/12/2026. 

Willingness to travel to visit community organisations in Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire is desirable.

Informal enquiries about this role should be directed to Dr Charlotte Dack (cnd31@bath.ac.uk).

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