Research Assistant, Cardiovascular Health Centre

Job title: Research Assistant – Part Time (0.5FTE), Fixed term (12 months)

Job reference: 0000019910

Date posted: 22/03/2023

Application closing date: 05/04/2023

Salary: £27,929 - £33,314 per annum, pro rata

Package: Excellent benefits including min 36 days holiday (pro-rata), employer pension contribution of 20.8%, various learning/development opportunities and more.

Contractual hours: 17.5

Basis: Part Time

Job description
Looking to pursue a career in Cardiovascular Research? 
 
We are currently looking for a Research Assistant to join the Cardiovascular Health Centre (CVH) on a part time, fixed term basis. 
 
You will support the NRS Cardiovascular Clinical Network Lead and fellow on a variety of research projects, including the following exciting studies the team are currently working on:

• The delivery of text messages to promote physical activity.
• Dental health and heart conditions.
• Blood pressure management in Scotland. 

The School of Health and Social Care
 
We aim to create research opportunities that develop talent and solutions that really work and matter in today’s and tomorrow’s world. Our £60 million, purpose-built science and health campus in Sighthill houses industry grade equipment, which allows our students to develop expert analytical and technical skills. It is for reasons such as this we are ranked number one in the UK for nurturing student talent.
 
Edinburgh Napier University’s phenomenal results from the Research Excellence Framework (2021) are testament to our growing strength and capability as a research institution. Our recent results make Edinburgh Napier the top ranking Scottish modern university for both research power and research impact. 
 
The University’s improved power rating will now see our research funding increase as we take significant strides to grow our reputation as a research-focused institution as well as a teaching one.  We are confident that we are well on our way to establishing ourselves as one of the UK’s world-leading universities in research.
 
The Role 
 
You will be responsible for the project management, co-ordination and day-to-day running of allocated studies and trials. You will ensure studies satisfy and exceed all NHS and University requirements relating to research governance, ethics, data management and security, and health and safety. 
 
Using your excellent organisation and interpersonal skills, you will manage, co-ordinate and document research team and steering group meetings, contribute to scientific dissemination of CVH work (e.g., papers, conference presentations) and be responsible for public engagement (e.g., updating trial website, social media, knowledge exchange events). 
 
As someone looking to expand your research career, you will have the opportunity to devise, implement and evaluate strategies to achieve key targets relating to participant recruitment, retention and experience.
 
You’ll also have the opportunity to work closely with the NRS Cardiovascular Clinical Network Lead, Senior Research Fellow, Research Assistants (RAs), Clinicians and Co-Investigators across CVH projects. This will allow you to develop your knowledge and understanding and build your network for future collaboration.
 
At Edinburgh Napier University, we truly believe that we can make a difference, by nurturing and encouraging you to reach beyond what you know and helping you to get to where you want to be. We will support you in offering training in complex intervention study and trial management procedures to help you develop yourself and your career. This is an excellent opportunity to gain first-hand experience of applying these methodologies within a cardiovascular health context. 
 
You’ll make a difference, by contributing to the successful completion of studies within the centre which will open up opportunities to lead additional research projects and provide fully credited in output authorship to help advance your career in cardiovascular research. 
 
To find out more about this opportunity, please click here to view the role profile.
 
Who are we looking for?
 
The ideal candidate will have:
 

• Undergraduate degree in relevant academic discipline (e.g., nursing, psychology, psychiatry, sport science).
• Knowledge of issues surrounding the care of people with cardiovascular disease.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation and report writing skills.
• Excellent organisation, prioritisation and time management skills, with a flexible approach to working.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.

What’s in it for you? 
 
Salary: £27,929 - £33,314 per annum, pro rata (Grade 4) 
 
We offer a great working environment where we support ambition, recognise achievement, and offer an attractive benefits package.
 
This includes:

• hybrid working and flexible working opportunities.
• minimum of 36 days annual leave including 10 fixed holidays (holiday entitlement will be pro-rata).
• a generous pension scheme (employer contribution of 20.8%).
• various learning and development opportunities.
• discounted access to onsite and local gym facilities and a wide range of other staff discounts.

For more information on our wide range of benefits, click here.
 
Additional information
 
For informal discussions about this position, please contact Prof Lis Neubeck (L.Neubeck@napier.ac.uk). For general enquiries, please contact the Recruitment team (recruitment@napier.ac.uk). 
 
Closing Date: Wednesday 5 April @ 11:59pm 
Interview Date: Monday 17 April 
Please note, interviews will take place in-person where possible. 
 
Edinburgh Napier is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels proud, confident, challenged and supported and are holders of Disability Confident, Carer Positive and Stonewall Diversity Champion status. For information see here.