Research Fellow

University of Stirling
February 18, 2024
Contact:N/A
Offerd Salary:£37,099 - £44,263
Location:N/A
Working address:N/A
Contract Type:Fixed term for up to
Working Time:Part time
Working type:N/A
Ref info:N/A
Research Fellow Apply Post Details

Part time (60% FTE) Fixed term for up to 30 months

£37,099 - £44,263 p.a. pro-rata

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 18 February 2024 Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 6 March 2024

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

For the purposes of sponsorship, the post may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances under SOC code 2119.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

The Post

Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences is offering a part-time (0.6FTE/3 days a week), fixed-term Research Fellow position to work with Professor Julia Allan on the CRUK-funded project ‘ Achieving Self-directed Integrated Cancer Aftercare (ASICA) in melanoma: Optimising the intervention using pilot evidence, assisted intelligence and behavioural science.'

The overall project aims to optimise an existing digital intervention (the ASICA app) to better support people with skin cancer to regularly check their own skin for signs of recurrence. In a recent Cancer Research UK funded pilot trial, the ASICA app increased rates of total skin-self-examination and improved quality of life for people with melanoma. The current post will focus on improving user engagement with ASICA (and associated skin checking) by addressing known barriers to adherence and improving user interactions with the app.

The successful candidate will, in collaboration with Prof Allan, work with patients and academic/clinical experts to (i) develop viable methods of screening ASICA users for known barriers to adherence and (ii) integrate behaviour change techniques into the app to help users overcome the identified barriers to adherence. They will also work with users and computer scientists to simplify the content of ASICA to make engagement as easy and intuitive as possible, for example simplifying the language used; making target actions more obvious; removing non-essential content to focus attention on key material; and targeting app reminders at times that are convenient for users.

The post holders will join the Health Psychology Research Group https: // www. stir.ac.uk/about/faculties/natural-sciences/our-research/research- groups/health-psychology-research-group

Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Julia Allan, email: [email protected].

Description of Duties

The successful applicant will work with the work package lead (Prof Allan) and will be responsible for running the day-to-day aspects of the study. Principally, this will involve:

  • Project coordination
  • Organisation and facilitation of co-development workshops with patient app users, clinicians and academics
  • Conducting think aloud studies and facilitated discussions with app users, clinicians and academics
  • Development of mock up versions of app content in collaboration with computer scientists
  • Identification of appropriate evidence-based behaviour change techniques and development of ways of implementing these within the app environment
  • Literature review
  • Collection, transcription, integration and analysis of user feedback
  • Statistical Data analysis
  • Data entry and cleaning
  • Producing interim reports for research team meetings
  • Attending research team meetings
  • Having regular meetings with the work package lead (Julia Allan) and the project PI (Peter Murchie) to track progress, resolve any theoretical, technical or analytical issues and discuss dissemination strategies
  • Essential Criteria

    Qualifications

  • A PhD/Doctoral level qualification in Health Psychology/behavioural science or equivalent (e.g., Stage 1 Masters degree in Health Psychology OR a PhD/doctoral level qualification in another health relevant field plus significant experience /knowledge of behavioural science)
  • Research

  • Evidence of being able to conduct empirical research/enquiry independently
  • Evidence of research experience, in both quantitative and qualitative study designs
  • Evidence of being able to draft papers for publication and report-writing
  • Skills, Attitude, & Behaviour

  • Evidence of good administrative and project management skills
  • Proven ability to establish rapport and interact effectively with a range of colleagues and stakeholders (e.g. patients, health professionals, academics)
  • Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Evidence of self-motivation and the ability to work independently
  • Experience of qualitative and quantitative research methods
  • Time management skills including ability to prioritise workload
  • Trustworthy and reliable
  • Willingness to do some limited travel to Stirling, Aberdeen and potential other sites to run co-development workshops and to attend team meetings
  • IT and computing skills
  • Desirable Criteria
  • Experience in writing research grant applications
  • Experience in drafting papers for publication and report-writing
  • Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary research team
  • Behaviours and Competencies

    The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

  • Managing self and personal skills Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

  • Delivering excellent service Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

  • Finding solutions Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

  • Embracing change Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

  • Using resources effectively Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

  • Engaging with the wider context Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

  • Developing self and others Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

  • Working together Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

  • Achieving Results Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

  • About Us

    The Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology, and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored, and tested. The most recent national assessment of research - REF2021 -confirmed that 80% of our research is classed as world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union, and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Substantial investment aligned with the City, Region, and Growth deals is supporting major new infrastructure developments linked to the Faculty including Scotland's International Environment Centre and the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub.

    Psychology

    Stirling Psychology delivers world class scientific research, coupled with innovative and reflective research-led teaching. In REF2021, we were rated 2nd in Scotland for research impact. We aim to foster basic research in the science of mind and behaviour, linked to direct impacts for society. Our research strategy focuses on the development of inter-disciplinary multi- methods approaches and our academics work collaboratively across three research themes: Cognition in Complex Environments; Behaviour & Evolution; and Health and Behaviour Change. A common thread across our research projects is a desire to develop theoretical understanding of behaviour in complex real-world settings. Psychology has invested heavily in research infrastructure, including our own Kindergarten. Purpose built laboratories provide support for health, human electrophysiology, face and vision research, mobile technology, virtual/augmented reality, and recent investment in a Lifespan Laboratory facilitate developmental and comparative research.

    The University

    The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

    The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.

    More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 140 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The University – also home to 1,700 staff – is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for its campus environment (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two). Ranked first in the UK and top five in the world for its sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), Stirling is Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence. Its world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University's sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.

    The University has twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

    The University is a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and a central partner of the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership. www. stir.ac.uk @stiruni

    Job number

    FAC01897

    Contract Type

    Fixed Term Contract

    Posting End Date

    18-Feb-2024

    Location:

    Stirling Campus

    Grade

    Grade7 £37,099-£44,263 p.a.

    Faculty/Service

    Faculty of Natural Sciences Post Details

    Part time (60% FTE) Fixed term for up to 30 months

    £37,099 - £44,263 p.a. pro-rata

    The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 18 February 2024 Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 6 March 2024

    There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

    For the purposes of sponsorship, the post may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances under SOC code 2119.

    The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

    The Post

    Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences is offering a part-time (0.6FTE/3 days a week), fixed-term Research Fellow position to work with Professor Julia Allan on the CRUK-funded project ‘ Achieving Self-directed Integrated Cancer Aftercare (ASICA) in melanoma: Optimising the intervention using pilot evidence, assisted intelligence and behavioural science.'

    The overall project aims to optimise an existing digital intervention (the ASICA app) to better support people with skin cancer to regularly check their own skin for signs of recurrence. In a recent Cancer Research UK funded pilot trial, the ASICA app increased rates of total skin-self-examination and improved quality of life for people with melanoma. The current post will focus on improving user engagement with ASICA (and associated skin checking) by addressing known barriers to adherence and improving user interactions with the app.

    The successful candidate will, in collaboration with Prof Allan, work with patients and academic/clinical experts to (i) develop viable methods of screening ASICA users for known barriers to adherence and (ii) integrate behaviour change techniques into the app to help users overcome the identified barriers to adherence. They will also work with users and computer scientists to simplify the content of ASICA to make engagement as easy and intuitive as possible, for example simplifying the language used; making target actions more obvious; removing non-essential content to focus attention on key material; and targeting app reminders at times that are convenient for users.

    The post holders will join the Health Psychology Research Group https: // www. stir.ac.uk/about/faculties/natural-sciences/our-research/research- groups/health-psychology-research-group

    Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Julia Allan, email: [email protected].

    Description of Duties

    The successful applicant will work with the work package lead (Prof Allan) and will be responsible for running the day-to-day aspects of the study. Principally, this will involve:

  • Project coordination
  • Organisation and facilitation of co-development workshops with patient app users, clinicians and academics
  • Conducting think aloud studies and facilitated discussions with app users, clinicians and academics
  • Development of mock up versions of app content in collaboration with computer scientists
  • Identification of appropriate evidence-based behaviour change techniques and development of ways of implementing these within the app environment
  • Literature review
  • Collection, transcription, integration and analysis of user feedback
  • Statistical Data analysis
  • Data entry and cleaning
  • Producing interim reports for research team meetings
  • Attending research team meetings
  • Having regular meetings with the work package lead (Julia Allan) and the project PI (Peter Murchie) to track progress, resolve any theoretical, technical or analytical issues and discuss dissemination strategies
  • Essential Criteria

    Qualifications

  • A PhD/Doctoral level qualification in Health Psychology/behavioural science or equivalent (e.g., Stage 1 Masters degree in Health Psychology OR a PhD/doctoral level qualification in another health relevant field plus significant experience /knowledge of behavioural science)
  • Research

  • Evidence of being able to conduct empirical research/enquiry independently
  • Evidence of research experience, in both quantitative and qualitative study designs
  • Evidence of being able to draft papers for publication and report-writing
  • Skills, Attitude, & Behaviour

  • Evidence of good administrative and project management skills
  • Proven ability to establish rapport and interact effectively with a range of colleagues and stakeholders (e.g. patients, health professionals, academics)
  • Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Evidence of self-motivation and the ability to work independently
  • Experience of qualitative and quantitative research methods
  • Time management skills including ability to prioritise workload
  • Trustworthy and reliable
  • Willingness to do some limited travel to Stirling, Aberdeen and potential other sites to run co-development workshops and to attend team meetings
  • IT and computing skills
  • Desirable Criteria
  • Experience in writing research grant applications
  • Experience in drafting papers for publication and report-writing
  • Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary research team
  • Behaviours and Competencies

    The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

  • Managing self and personal skills Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

  • Delivering excellent service Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

  • Finding solutions Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

  • Embracing change Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

  • Using resources effectively Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

  • Engaging with the wider context Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

  • Developing self and others Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

  • Working together Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

  • Achieving Results Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

  • About Us

    The Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology, and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored, and tested. The most recent national assessment of research - REF2021 -confirmed that 80% of our research is classed as world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union, and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Substantial investment aligned with the City, Region, and Growth deals is supporting major new infrastructure developments linked to the Faculty including Scotland's International Environment Centre and the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub.

    Psychology

    Stirling Psychology delivers world class scientific research, coupled with innovative and reflective research-led teaching. In REF2021, we were rated 2nd in Scotland for research impact. We aim to foster basic research in the science of mind and behaviour, linked to direct impacts for society. Our research strategy focuses on the development of inter-disciplinary multi- methods approaches and our academics work collaboratively across three research themes: Cognition in Complex Environments; Behaviour & Evolution; and Health and Behaviour Change. A common thread across our research projects is a desire to develop theoretical understanding of behaviour in complex real-world settings. Psychology has invested heavily in research infrastructure, including our own Kindergarten. Purpose built laboratories provide support for health, human electrophysiology, face and vision research, mobile technology, virtual/augmented reality, and recent investment in a Lifespan Laboratory facilitate developmental and comparative research.

    The University

    The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).

    The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.

    More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 140 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The University – also home to 1,700 staff – is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for its campus environment (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two). Ranked first in the UK and top five in the world for its sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), Stirling is Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence. Its world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University's sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.

    The University has twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

    The University is a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and a central partner of the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership. www. stir.ac.uk @stiruni

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