Research Associate

About the role

This role presents an excellent development opportunity for an individual committed to advancing innovative, high-impact research in palliative and end-of-life care. As one of three posts supporting the establishment of a new Impact Centre for palliative and end-of-life care at the Cicely Saunders Institute, the postholder will play a central role in shaping and delivering research and engagement that meaningfully improves outcomes for patients, carers, and wider society.

The post holder will contribute to the ongoing delivery of the Impact Centre, including producing evidence syntheses to guide care delivery and commissioning, while helping to develop a learning network for practitioners. They will also support the growth of a sustainable, high-quality applied research programme focused on generating impact, securing external funding, and achieving internationally recognised standards of excellence.

The role also involves engagement with media, policy audiences, and professional networks to maximise research impact, alongside participation in faculty initiatives, governance activities, and team development. The successful candidate will be expected to uphold high standards in research ethics, data protection, and clinical governance. They will also contribute to mentoring and supervising emerging researchers, helping to strengthen capacity within the field.

This is a full time (35 hours per week), and you will be offered on a fixed term contract for 24 months.

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the  Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the  Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

Location: Hybrid – minimum of 2 days per week on campus (Denmark Hill)

About You

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

• PhD qualified in relevant subject area (or pending results)
• Track record of peer-review publication and presentations that demonstrate international excellence in terms of originality, rigour, and significance in areas relevant to this role
• Commitment to, and experience of, impact focused research and education
• Ability to communicate with diverse audiences including patients, practitioners, the public and policy makers
• Ability to work well as an effective and inclusive member of teams and networks and to share and encourage good practice in research, teaching and dissemination activities, to inspire and motivate others, including in challenging environments

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6. 

Desirable criteria

• Evidence of ability to secure research grant funding
• Evidence of continued development in research methods, with increasing expertise in areas relevant to the role (e.g. evidence synthesis, implementation science)
• Experience of the planning and delivering high-quality education at undergraduate and/or postgraduate levels

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