Job description
We are looking for an enthusiastic Research Assistant to join the growing Behavioural Science Team in the Cancer Prevention Group. Working closely with PI, Dr Jo Waller, the role will involve contributing to a range applied behavioural science and cancer projects. This includes studies on cervical cancer screening uptake (CRUK-funded), novel ‘cytosponge’ testing for early diagnosis of oesophageal cancer as part of the Innovate UK funded Project DELTA and behavioural aspects of the NHS-Galleri trial of a multi-cancer early detection blood test (funded by GRAIL Bio UK). Working closely with other members of the research team, the post-holder will support all aspects of the research process from grant applications to writing journal articles. This is an excellent opportunity for someone wanting to gain experience of different aspects of applied behavioural science research.  
 
The Cancer Prevention Group is led by Professor Peter Sasieni, and currently includes some 50 grant-funded researchers. It is divided into five research sub-teams: clinical trials, statistics, experimental epidemiology, observational epidemiology and behavioural science. Group members have substantial expertise in epidemiology, clinical studies, health psychology, use of routine registries and databases, as well as related statistical methodologies. Members of the group collaborate in cancer screening research internationally.
 
This post sits in the Behavioural Science team, led by Dr Jo Waller and including one senior researcher, one post-doc, two research assistants and two PhD students. The team provides a supportive and stimulating research environment with regular journal clubs, training opportunities and seminars.
 
This post will be offered on an fixed-term contract for 12 months from 1 March 2022 
This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

• Literature reviewing 
• Contributing to protocol development and university ethics applications
• Developing participant materials
• Contributing to qualitative and qualitative data analysis
• Writing reports and drafting journal articles
• Liaising with Patient and Public Involvement representatives
• Contributing to the development of new projects for grant applications
• Participating in journal clubs, including presenting papers to the team
• The post will involve hybrid home/office working but may also involve attending conferences, seminars and training courses outside the organisation.
• Attention to detail and excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential

 
The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  
 
Skills, knowledge, and experience
 
Essential criteria  
 
1.       Undergraduate degree in Psychology or a related discipline (2:1 or 1st) 
2.       MSc in health psychology or a related discipline, or equivalent research experience 
3.       Experience of designing, conducting and writing up original research (qualitative and/or quantitative) 
4.       Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
5.       Experience of carrying out statistical analyses (using SPSS, STATA or similar) 
6.       Understanding of different research methods in behavioural science 
7.       Commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards in research 
8.       Ability to manage time, prioritise workload and work to deadlines 
9.       Excellent attention to detail 
10.   Ability to work independently and as part of a team 
 
Desirable criteria
 
1.       Experience of balancing the demands of several different projects at once 
2.       Experience of writing for publication 
3.       Knowledge of the principles of cancer screening  
 
Further information
 
Interviews will be held in late January/early February 2022 with a view to an early March start date