Graduate Research Assistant

Faculty of Health and Life Sciences

This new full-time post is available from 1 September 2023 until 31 July 2024 on a fixed term basis.

This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home.

We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements.

The role

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Graduate Research Assistant to support the work of Dr Sarah Price and Dr Elizabeth Shephard on the OSCA study. This National Institute for Health and Care Research School for Primary Care Research (NIHR SPCR) funded post is available from 1st September 2023 for 11 months initially (hybrid working). The successful applicant will work with the South-West Clinical Research Network (SWCRN), local GP surgeries, public and patient collaborators (PPIE) and the OSCA research team.

The post will include liaising with the SWCRN and local GP surgeries to identify and recruit ~24 patients for interview, refining the interview schedule, undertaking online interviews, coding, and analysing transcripts using appropriate qualitative methodology, working with PPIE members in a focus group workshop, presenting progress updates orally and in writing, contributing to writing up the project for publication, and presenting the study at national and international conferences.

About you

The successful applicant will have experience of undertaking qualitative research and be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

Applicants will be educated to first degree level with experience of undertaking qualitive research or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study or equivalent experience and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline. The successful candidate will have knowledge of qualitative research methods and techniques. Prior experience of working with allied health professionals and of undertaking qualitative interviewing would be an advantage.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a new Fertility Treatment Policy

• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and QS World University Ranking 2022).

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. More than 99% of our research is of international quality and our world-leading research impact is growing faster than any other Russell Group university (2021 Research Excellence Framework). We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

For further information please contact Dr Elizabeth Shephard, e-mail e.a.shephard@ex.ac.uk or telephone (01392) 726030.

The closing date for completed applications is 17 May 2023. Interviews are expected to take place in June 2023.