Research Assistant

Based in the Faculty of Health, the Peninsula Medical School is committed to three core aims: outstanding clinical education; strong social engagement; and world-class research which all feature strongly in the student learning experience. A key strength is a close relationship with NHS partners, with early clinical contact for all students. The South West offers healthcare and learning opportunities of exceptional quality; Derriford is one of Europe’s largest hospitals and the only trauma centre in Devon and Cornwall. A further strength is our scholarly approach to education, supported by the Division of Education Scholarship. The Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research is the core of research activity, providing a thriving community that conducts adventurous world-leading research with the explicit purpose of improving the health and care of the populations we serve.

The opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to join the Community and Primary Care Research Group within the Faculty of Health starting as soon as possible.

We are seeking a motivated and capable individual with excellent interpersonal skills to work on the D-PACT study. You will work closely with the Programme Lead, Research Fellows, and the rest of the multi-site D-PACT research team, using a realist approach to evaluate the D-PACT intervention theory in practice. Primary responsibilities will include collecting, coding and analysing longitudinal qualitative data (via realist interviewing, observations, and interrogation of records) from key stakeholders in the project. Secondary responsibilities may include quantitative data collection and analysis, literature and database searching and writing up results for publication. Skills and experience in qualitative research methods will be required, as will the personal qualities of accuracy, flexibility and empathy.

You will possess a relevant first degree in a social sciences field. You will have excellent knowledge of health related research sufficient to enable innovation and new understanding in the field, as well as skills in the application of qualitative research methods.

Dementia PersonAlised Care Team (D-PACT)

D-PACT is a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funded programme that aims to develop and evaluate a multidisciplinary complex intervention, based in primary care, for improving wellbeing and health related quality of life for people with dementia and their carers. The D-PACT feasibility study involved designing, delivering and evaluating the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a support worker intervention, based in GP surgeries, to support people with dementia and their carer using a person-centred coaching approach. We are now in Phase 2 of our programme (Years 4-5), where we are undertaking a realist-informed evaluation of the potential value and impact of the intervention. Outcomes from this programme have the potential to inform practice and process for dementia care within the NHS, as well as inform methods used by other researchers working with this population.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role please contact Associate Professor Tomasina Oh by email tomasina.oh@plymouth.ac.uk

This role will require an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check.

Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

Interviews are likely to take place on Tuesday 7th March 2023 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.

This is a full-time post working up to 37 hours per week (part-time working arrangements may be considered) on a fixed-term basis up to 31st October 2023 due to funding.

We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.

The Faculty of Health holds a Silver Athena Swan Award and the University holds a Bronze Athena SWAN Award which recognises commitment to advancing women’s careers in STEMM academia.

Staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria.

The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our three strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.

The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages

We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+.

Job Description

Additional Faculty Information