Research Associate (ED

The University of Bath presents a compelling opportunity for individuals passionate about applied mental health research, specifically focusing on the well-being of children and young people. This role is within the newly established Bath Mental Health Research Group (MHRG), a 5-year initiative funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).

About the Opportunity:

This position directly supports the substance use and addiction work package within the MHRG, led by Professor Tom Freeman. The core of this work involves critical research to address local substance use needs among young people. Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting quantitative surveys to identify the extent of substance use needs in the region.
• Assessing how current services align with identified needs.
• Mapping the gap between need and service provision to inform future service development and innovation.
• Piloting new interventions in collaboration with key stakeholders and individuals with lived experience.
• Supporting the development of funding applications for larger-scale evaluations.

What You Bring:

The ideal candidate will possess demonstrated excellence in quantitative research methods and have prior experience in addiction and/or mental health research. We are particularly interested in candidates who can bring valuable lived or living experience related to common mental health difficulties, substance use, or neurodiversity, either personally or within their family.

Career Development and Training:

The MHRG is deeply committed to fostering the growth of its research staff. This role offers:

• Supervision and mentorship from world-leading clinicians and academics.
• Opportunities for further specialized research training, such as in Public and Patient Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) and Good Clinical Practice.
• Strong support for developing personal fellowship applications, to be hosted at the University of Bath.
• Collaboration with researchers from partner institutions within the GW4 network, including the Universities of Bristol and Exeter.

Departmental Excellence:

You will be joining the Department of Psychology at the University of Bath, which is globally recognized for its research and teaching prowess, consistently ranking among the top psychology departments in the UK. The department boasts a vibrant and growing Early Career Researcher community, offering invaluable peer support, alongside comprehensive university-wide professional development programs.

State-of-the-Art Facilities:

The department is housed in a modern, purpose-built facility featuring extensive state-of-the-art laboratories equipped for a wide range of psychological research, including but not limited to:

• Interviewing and social group observation
• EEG/ERP testing
• Virtual reality
• Psychobiology and eye-tracking
• Pain and cross-modal research
• Computerised testing

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Contract Length: This is a full-time (1.0 FTE) post, initially available for 3 years. Part-time applications will be considered, with a minimum commitment of 4 days per week (0.8 FTE).
• Location and Travel: Regular in-person attendance at the University of Bath is required. You will also be expected to travel within the local area (Bath and North-East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire) for research and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Inclusive Recruitment: The University is committed to an inclusive recruitment process. Online interviews are planned.
• Salary: The salary range for this position is £38,784 to £46,049.

Benefits and Support:

The University of Bath offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth, including:

• Generous annual leave allowance with additional discretionary days.
• Support for a positive work-life balance.
• Extensive personal and professional development opportunities (e.g., Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning).
• Free counselling services.
• Cycle to Work scheme and Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
• Staff discounts on postgraduate tuition fees and language courses.
• Staff discount at the Team Bath gym.
• Generous employer contributory pension schemes.
• Relocation allowance and visa reimbursement/interest-free loans for eligible candidates.
• A family-friendly workplace.

This role represents an exceptional chance to contribute meaningfully to applied mental health research, gain invaluable experience within a leading academic institution, and advance your career in a supportive and stimulating environment.