CentRIC Research Fellow

The Centre for Psychosocial Research in Cancer (CentRIC) is seeking an outstanding individual to join our team and contribute to our programme of psychosocial cancer research.

CentRIC is a world‑leading centre dedicated to transforming how people affected by cancer are supported. Our research focuses on understanding the psychosocial impact of cancer on everyday life and developing and testing innovative solutions that help people live well. We work closely with people affected by cancer, healthcare professionals, commissioners, policy makers and charities, ensuring that their insights guide the development of patient‑centred care. Our research involves people at increased genetic risk of cancer, those living with and beyond cancer, caregivers and healthcare professionals. 

The post‑holder will support the delivery of CentRIC projects under the supervision of Professor Claire Foster, Co‑Director, and members of the research team. Key activities will include contributing to: 

• Breast Cancer Now‑funded project to develop Breast Cancer Choices, a web‑based resource supporting women recently diagnosed with breast cancer to make decisions about genetic testing 
• Wessex Cancer Alliance‑funded project to develop a personalised cancer care tool 
• A range of CentRIC research and evaluation projects

Core responsibilities include delivering high‑quality literature reviews; preparing ethics and research governance applications; coordinating projects; and engaging with stakeholders, including patients, health professionals and charities. You will also develop study protocols, support recruitment processes, collect data through interviews, focus groups and surveys, and undertake quantitative and qualitative analysis. Additional responsibilities include grant development, report writing, publications and dissemination through presentations.

You will have strong qualitative research skills and some experience of quantitative methods such as surveys. Excellent communication and academic writing skills are essential, as is the ability to present research to both specialist and non‑specialist audiences at local, national and international conferences. Experience of working with a range of stakeholders—including patients as research partners, healthcare professionals and charities—is required. Knowledge of psychosocial aspects of cancer and experience of implementing research in clinical settings is desirable. 

Effective collaboration is essential, both within the CentRIC team—which includes researchers, administrative staff and web developers—and with external partners and members of the public/service users. 

The post is based within the School of Health Sciences at one of the UK’s leading research universities, which offers excellent facilities and is recognised for its world‑class academic staff and strong national and international reputation. 

This full‑time post is offered for one year initially, with the potential for extension subject to funding. Applicants nearing completion of a relevant PhD will be considered.

A standard DBS check is required. Applicants are encouraged to contact Professor Claire Foster at C.L.Foster@soton.ac.uk to discuss the position. 

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