Research Assistant x12

Are you a friendly, approachable person with some experience of research, who enjoys working with children and their families?

About the role

Under the guidance of the principal investigator and as a member of the team, you will be responsible for the delivery of research support to the SAFE project, undertaking basic research, including collecting data from families of autistic children, and providing research and administrative support colleagues responsible for the project.

These are fully remote positions and data collection from families of autistic children will take place in community or NHS Trust venues. Applicants will need to be located near NHS trusts in the following regions: Manchester, Derby, Exeter, Leicester or London (Southwark, Hackney or Central).

You will:

• Undertake basic research e.g. preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcomes of interventions for families of autistic children
• Perform basic data collection using a variety of appropriate techniques as required.
• Assist with quantitative and/or qualitative analysis as directed by the academic research manager.
• Liaising with a network of internal and external contacts to assist with the work on the project as appropriate.
• Assisting the academic principal investigator and other team members with the day-to-day administration and organisation of the research as necessary.

For more information on School of Law Humanities and Social Sciences please visit our dedicated webpage at https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools

Due to the nature of this role, an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check plus a Children’s Barred List and Adults Barred List check will be required.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Rebecca Stancer: by email at rebecca.stancer@plymouth.ac.uk

You will have:

Essential:

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent
• Experience of both qualitative and quantitative research methods and techniques
• Knowledge of and experience undertaking research
• Working both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to prioritise and self-manage
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to sensitively communicate with families and children with developmental disorders

Desirable:

• Placement or work experience in therapeutic setting
• Experience of academic research environment
• Experience of engaging with families of children with autism spectrum disorder or other neurodiverse children and families

For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.

About us

SAFE (Systemic Autism-related Family Enabling) is a novel family therapy support package for families of autistic children. SAFE is supported by The National Institute of Health Research as part of their portfolio and this research project is the largest ever conducted trial of Family Therapy for autism across the globe.

Closing date:  12 midnight, Monday 25 May 2026

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