Join Our Team: Research Associate (SSHLD), Entry Level, Remote/Hybrid
We are excited to announce an opportunity for a Research Associate to join our team at Lancaster University's Division of Health Research. This is a unique chance to contribute to a critical project focused on suicide, self-harm, and people with learning disabilities. As a Research Associate, you will play a key role in conducting a scoping study to review existing evidence and help clarify what we currently know about support for people with learning disabilities who self-harm and about suicide prevention for this group.
About the Project
This 12-month, full-time project is funded by the Three NIHR Research Schools Mental Health Programme and is a direct result of public engagement work with researchers, health professionals, and self-advocates with learning disabilities. The project aims to:
- Review existing evidence about people with learning disabilities and self-harm and suicide
- Clarify what we currently know about support for people with learning disabilities who self-harm and about suicide prevention for this group
- Examine how research on suicide and self-harm in adults with learning disabilities has been conducted
Key Responsibilities
As a Research Associate, your primary responsibilities will include:
- Conducting a comprehensive literature review of existing evidence on suicide, self-harm, and people with learning disabilities
- Assisting in the design and implementation of the scoping study
- Contributing to the development of research protocols and study materials
- Screening and selecting studies for inclusion in the review
- Extracting and managing data from included studies
- Analyzing and interpreting results
- Contributing to the writing of academic papers and reports
- Disseminating findings to stakeholders, including researchers, health professionals, and self-advocates with learning disabilities
Essential Qualifications and Experience
To be successful in this role, you will need:
- An MSc or PhD in Health Research or a relevant social sciences discipline
- Robust experience of evidence synthesis, particularly systematic and/or scoping reviews
- Evidenced ability to write to academic publication standards
- Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work with varied stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications and Experience
We would also welcome applicants with:
- Knowledge and/or experience within the project's relevant topic areas, such as learning disabilities research and/or self-harm and suicide research
- Experience of conducting research with marginalized communities and groups
- Proficiency in using systematic review-related software, such as EndNote, Rayyan.ai, Covidence, or similar tools for reference management, study screening, and data extraction
What We Offer
As a Research Associate at Lancaster University, you will benefit from:
- A competitive salary
- A supportive and collaborative work environment
- Opportunities for professional development and career growth
- Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and remote working options
- A commitment to family-friendly and flexible working policies
- A healthy work-life balance
Our Culture and Values
Lancaster University is committed to promoting diversity, equality of opportunity, and good employment practice. We:
- Recognize and celebrate good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education
- Promote the importance and wellbeing of all our colleagues
- Welcome applicants from all sections of the community, regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability, or sexual orientation
How to Apply
If this role sounds like a perfect fit, don't hesitate. Apply today and let's build the future together. You can apply through our partner, Lifelancer, using the following link:
Apply Now
Conclusion
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a critical project that aims to improve our understanding of suicide, self-harm, and people with learning disabilities. As a Research Associate, you will play a key role in conducting a comprehensive literature review and disseminating findings to stakeholders. We offer a supportive and collaborative work environment, opportunities for professional development, and a commitment to promoting diversity and equality of opportunity. If you are passionate about health research and want to make a difference, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
Apply Now