Research Associate

Position Details

Department: Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Infection, Inflammation and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608, with potential progression once in post to £39,906 

Grade: 6 

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to September 2029 

Closing date: 23rd July 2026

Background

This Research Associate position offers an opportunity to undertake clinically embedded research in neuropsychology within a large tertiary MS service. The successful candidate will design, implement, and evaluate a standardised cognitive assessment pathway alongside development and feasibility testing of a scalable cognitive rehabilitation (CR) programme for people with Multiple Sclerosis.

The project integrates clinical service development with applied research, aiming to produce a reproducible “assessment-to-intervention” model that can be implemented across NHS settings.

 Aims of the project: 

• Develop and embed a standardised cognitive assessment pathway within MS services
• Co-design a manualised cognitive rehabilitation programme tailored to MS
• Evaluate feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the intervention
• Generate evidence to inform a potential future trial

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and/or projects
• Operate within area of specialism
• Contribute to publications

Main Duties

• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Analyse research data as directed
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

Essential: 

• Undergraduate degree (2:1 or above) in Psychology
• Must be willing to embark on a PhD as part of the role.  
• Strong understanding of cognitive assessment and research methodology
• Interest in clinical neuropsychology and neurological disorders
• Excellent organisational, analytical, and communication skills
• Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Desirable: 

• Experience working with neurological populations (especially MS)
• Experience in NHS or clinical research environments
• Knowledge of cognitive rehabilitation approaches
• Skills in statistical analysis (e.g., R, SPSS) and/or qualitative methods
• Master’s degree in Neuropsychology or a closely related discipline

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Abbie Riley, email: a.riley.1@bham.ac.uk

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.