Research Associate - Timely Project (Fixed Term)

1 year fixed term contract with the possibility of extension

We wish to appoint a Research Associate working 37 hours per week to join the Timely Team in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, on a 1-year fixed-term contract with the possibility of extension. The Timely programme is working to deliver digitally supported pathways for early identification and prevention of health problems in children and young people (https://timely.org.uk/). Inclusive of a national data platform to support paediatric research (https://cadre.org.uk/).

As part of this role, you will lead projects that have the potential to significantly improve research and healthcare pathways. You will collaborate with multiple agencies and industry and ultimately make a meaningful impact on children's lives.

The appointee will focus on qualitative research activities and Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE). The appointee will work within a key workstream of the Timely programme (Product and Partnerships) as well as collaborating with the broader team. Other workstreams include, Data Curation and Transformation, Technical Delivery, Information Governance and Legal, and AI Development.

The appointee will line manage a Research Assistant and provide academic supervision and guidance to students.

The responsibilities involve planning, managing and advising on the delivery of qualitative research activities including (not limited to)- systematic literature reviews, data collection (e.g., focus groups), data analysis (e.g., thematic), and publications.

Additionally, the role will be responsible for planning, managing PPIE activities to support critical components of the programme- relating to industry access to data for research, engagement of displaced communities, and transparency with the public. This work will include reengaging and managing operations for CA:RING (https://ca-ring.co.uk/).

Broader responsibilities will include seeking and applying for funding to support continuation of work relevant to systems engineering and care pathway design, as well as PPIE. The role currently requires attendance at the Cambridge office at least twice per week.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop research and management skills in a cutting-edge field, working closely with multidisciplinary expertise across settings.

This role is funded by the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Jessica Young, Digital Research project Manager at jy549@cam.ac.uk

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above.

Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD. 

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £34,132) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Interview date: 12th November 2025

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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