Research Assistant/Associate to develop a Research Register for people with Parkinson's
Requisition ID: 27956
Location: Newcastle, GB
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Working Pattern: Part Time
Posted Date: 10 Mar 2025
Research Assistant £32,546 to £34,132 (Pro rata)
Closing Date: 31 March 2025
The Role
This Research Assistant/Associate position provides an exciting opportunity for an early career researcher who is interested in enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion in clinical trials. You will be working as part of a collaborative team within the Brain and Movement Research team at Newcastle University, the Edmond J Safra Accelerating Trials for Parkinson’s Disease Initiative (EJS ACT-PD), University College London, MRC Clinical Trial Unit and the recruitment platform Research+Me. The multi-disciplinary team includes clinicians, scientists and clinical trial managers who are nationally and internationally recognised for trial innovation.
The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a Healthcare or Health Research related field (a PhD is essential for entry at Research Associate level), have experience in quantitative and qualitative research techniques, excellent communication skills, experience in working with a multi-disciplinary team of professionals and patients, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Successful candidates will be mentored by an experienced member of academic staff.
You will work as part of a research team supporting the build and launch of a national web-based research register for people with Parkinson’s. This will include developing build specifications, user testing, stakeholder and patient engagement, and the development of communications strategies.
Key Accountabilities
1. Lead on public engagement activities as required for the project.
2. Oversee and conduct the project and programme of research specified in the description, to the point of completion.
3. Contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of their studies.
4. Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment.
5. Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required.
6. Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and develop own research objectives and proposals for funding.
7. Write proposals for individual research funding or contribute to the writing of collective bids.
8. Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations.
9. Contribute to the writing up of research for publication and dissemination.
10. Present research findings at conferences or through publications.
11. Supervise, with guidance, final year undergraduate research projects and provide support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants.
12. Work with support staff and interact intellectually with other academic members of the Institute.
13. Contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities.
14. Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment.
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
• Experience of qualitative and/or quantitative research methods
• Experience in public and stakeholder engagement and management
• Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills
• High level of analytical and problem-solving capability
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity
• Experience of research with clear transferable skills
• Presentations at conferences and/or high-quality publications
• Detailed subject knowledge of user testing of technologies in a health-related field.
Desirable
• Experience of user testing
• Understanding/experience of working with people with Parkinson’s or individuals with long term health conditions
• Experience of developing or working with online databases or registries (e.g., REDCap)
• Understanding of ethical considerations in research and experience of preparing ethical applications
• Experience of developing communication strategies including creating research or health communication materials/resources.
Attributes and Behaviour
• Strong motivation
• Independence and organisational skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Qualifications
• Good honours degree (or equivalent) with some subject knowledge in the relevant area (Research Assistant)
• A PhD in a relevant research area (Research Associate only)
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity and celebrate the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.
We also hold a Silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.
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