Research Assistant reference: MHLMR1212

Are you an early career researcher looking for your first challenge?   Do you have a background in qualitative or mixed methods research in health research?  Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research intensive Universities?

This post will provide an opportunity to work within a growing research group which performs studies focused on quality of life outcomes in health research. The work will involve undertaking qualitative research as part of a study called MAPP-RT (Modelling And Patient Perspectives to optimise pelvic Radiotherapy). The study is funded through an NIHR Advanced Fellowship.

Working closely with colleagues from the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, this project will involve undertaking and analysing qualitative interviews with patients with prostate cancer, and their caregivers, to understand their perspectives about radiotherapy treatment. The outcome will be used to guide the design of a clinical trial, and to help us prepare person-centred information and support.  

With a first degree in a relevant subject e.g. psychology, social or health care studies, you will have good knowledge of qualitative research methodology, and experience with collecting, analysing and interpreting qualitative data. You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and be able to work well individually and within a multidisciplinary team, which includes clinicians, researchers, and a trials unit.

This is a new part-time post (2.5 days per week) funded within the NIHR Advanced Fellowship.

The post is based at St James’s University Hospital, Bexley Wing, Leeds and where possible some working from home will be supported.

What we offer in return 

26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!Generous pension scheme options plus life assuranceHealth and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.All FMH staff are entitled to ten days staff development per year (pro rata). Please speak to your Line Manager about how you can utilise these.Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!  

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Dr Finbar Slevin, Associate Professor of Clinical Oncology or Florien Boele, Associate Professor of Medical Psychology

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Closing Date: 22 Jan 2026

Section: Research

Salary: £33,951 to £39,906 per annum pro-rata