Research Assistant

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

The Role
This is an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant (pre-doctoral level) to join an experienced research team in the Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University. The team is led by Professor Amy O'Donnell and is focused on optimising global health and social care systems to better support people with multiple long-term conditions, specifically co-occurring substance use, mental and physical ill-health. This fixed-term role will involve conducting face-to-face surveys at community venues and qualitative interviews with people with current experience of harmful alcohol and drug use, and qualitative interviews or focus groups with practitioners who work with this population. The role will also involve qualitative data analysis and report writing for lay and professional audiences. The role will also involve public involvement and community engagement.

You will be working on the North East and North Cumbria Applied Research Collaboration Sunderland PLUS Study – To evaluate the pilot of a mobile health bus designed to support the unmet health needs of people in Sunderland who are struggling with alcohol and/or other drugs. The project involves working closely and in-person with the Sunderland-based inter-disciplinary delivery team including primary care, local authority, community and voluntary sector organisations and people with lived experience of harmful alcohol and drug use.

This post is fixed-term until 31st March 2026.

For informal enquiries contact: Dr Kat Jackson kat.jackson@newcastle.ac.uk.

Find out more about the Faculty of Medical Sciences here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/.

Find out more about our Research Institutes here: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/medical-sciences/research/institutes/.

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles. These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Please note that if you are successful to this role, you will require medical clearance before you can commence in the role.

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