Job Description

Position Details

College of Life and Environmental Sciences

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression once in post to £39,906

Grade: 6

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to July 2028

Closing date: 31st August 2026

UK travel may be required for this role

Background

To assist in research (by carrying out data collection or analyses) to create knowledge through providing research support for projects and research groups. We are seeking a research associate to assist in the delivery of an NIHR funded RCT called: Home-based transcranial direct current stimulation in bipolar depression: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. This is being led by Professor Cynthia Fu, at Kings College London and at the University of Birmingham by Professor Steven Marwaha. The post holder will be based at the University of Birmingham and assist in all trial activities at this centre, in collaboration with Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, other centres and the clinical trials unit. Further information about the study can be found here: https://www.fundingawards.nihr.ac.uk/award/NIHR167361

• Work within specified research grants and/or projects
• Operate within area of specialism
• Contribute to publications

Main Duties

• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Analyse research data as directed
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
  Fosters a fair and equitable workplace for all staff
• Identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant university policies and procedures
• Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity duties document

Person Specification

• Degree or equivalent in relevant subject area
• Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics and duties under the Equality Act 2010
• Including fostering good relations and advancing the universities Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)
• Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity knowledge, skills and experience document
• Requirement for DBS, Occupational Health Check and awareness of the Data Protection Act (DPA)

OH & DBS required

The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Occupational Health and DBS clearance prior to appointment.

Informal enquiries to Shahara Choudhry, email: s.h.choudhry@bham.ac.uk

View our staff values and behaviours here

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website