Research Assistant

About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity for a research assistant to join the PROTECT-C project team. PROTECT-C is a research study offering genetic testing to people in the general population to see whether they have a genetic change that increases their risk of breast, ovary, bowel, and/or womb cancer. The study is funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research.

The post-holder will carry out in-depth interviews with study participants to understand their attitudes towards, and experience of, genetic testing. They will work under the supervision of Prof Jo Waller and Dr Samantha Quaife, in close collaboration with the wider trial team. The work will involve organising and conducting interviews, analysis of transcript data, preparing reports and delivering presentations, working with patient and public involvement (PPI) groups, and contributing to peer-reviewed publications.

About You
Applicants should have a Masters (or be close to completion) in health psychology or another applied health-related social science. They should have experience of health-related qualitative data collection and analysis. and knowledge of current UK policies related to genetic testing and cancer screening. Self-motivation, communications and organisational skills and ability to work both independently and as part of a team are essential.

About the School/Department/Institute/Project
The Wolfson Institute of Population Health (WIPH) is an exciting and dynamic environment, home to 450 staff, 100 PhD students and 500 postgraduate taught students. It harnesses expertise across a wide range of population-based research and education activities and is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in population health, primary care and preventive medicine. The Institute is organised into six research centres which, though complementary and following the Institute’s strategic plan, also have Centre-specific objectives and requirements.

The postholder will be based in the Centre for Cancer Screening, Prevention and Early Diagnosis (CCSPED).

About Queen Mary
At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits
We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, campus facilities and flexible working arrangements.

The post is based at the Charterhouse Square and Whitechapel Campuses in London. It is a full-time (35 hours per week), fixed-term appointment for 9 months in the first instance, with an expected start date of mid-October 2026. The starting salary will be Grade 4, in the range of (£38,419 - £39,022) per annum, inclusive of London Allowance.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.

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