Research Associate (Fixed Term)

This post will be based at the University of Cambridge in the Department of Psychiatry to work as a Post-doctoral Research Associate to support a National Institute for Health & Care Research (NIHR) funded programme, to join the WAIT LESS team from Sept/Oct 2026. https://arc-eoe.nihr.ac.uk/research-implementation/research-themes/inclusive-involvement-research-mental-health-over-life-0

The applicant will support the WAIT LESS Study, a feasibility trial of a new digital intervention for young people with depression on the CAMHS waiting list at two NHS trusts. They will be based in Cambridge but liaise with colleagues at trusts in Norwich, Berkshire and London. The work requires knowledge and experience of trials and evaluations, with an emphasis on qualitative methods. We welcome applicants who would like to use this opportunity to develop further research proposals fellowship applications or other grants from the work completed. 

The Child and Adolescent Resilience and Mental Health Research group undertakes applied epidemiology, as well as intervention development and evaluation. The successful applicant will be at a relatively junior level but will have the opportunity to play an active part in shaping this research programme and supporting more junior staff. We are particularly interested in someone with experience of qualitative research methods and work with children, and young people in health care or education settings.

The methods applied by the team include secondary analysis of large epidemiological datasets, mixed qualitative and quantitative observational studies, economic evaluation systematic reviews, and randomized controlled trials. The research is inherently translational and multi-disciplinary, and involves strong links with psychology, paediatrics, education, epidemiology, trial specialists, statisticians, health economics and basic scientists. Though we are looking for an applicant at a junior level, one who has only recently completed their PhD, we envisage that they will eventually become involved in all aspects of this work.

Applicants will have a PhD in Mental Health Services Research, Psychology, Neuroscience, Medical Sciences or equivalent research degree, a strong track record of publication and knowledge of assessment and outcome measures in relation to children and young people's mental health. Experience of working with administrative data would be desirable but not essential.

For further details, please read the further particulars, please provide at least 3 references, a CV and covering letter indicating how you meet the criteria for this post.  

Informal enquiries may be directed to Professor Tamsin Ford via ChARM@medschl.cam.ac.uk

If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Simon Gurry, HR Coordinator (hradminpsychiatry@medschl.cam.ac.uk).

Deadline for applications is 6th August 2026, with interviews on 19th August 2026 

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

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

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.

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

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