Research Assistant reference: SHSS057

The University of West London (UWL) is ranked the best modern* university (non-specialist) in London in the Complete University Guide 2025 for the second year in a row.  

Our institution has been ranked 1st for Student Experience, 1st for Teaching Quality, 6th for Social Inclusion and 10th in London in The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024. This places UWL as a top 50 UK University overall with recognition paid to its investment in research and its top 20 placing in the People and Planet university league for environmental efforts.  

*University status awarded in or after 1992.

The School of Human and Social Sciences  

In the School of Human and Social Sciences we conduct multidisciplinary research in several areas including criminology, psychology, education, addiction studies, forensic science, nutritional therapy, sociology and politics and international relations. We work closely with partners from all sectors to explore the most pressing social and theoretical issues of the day – and provide real solutions. 

The Role  

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Research Assistant to join our dynamic team! Your role will be to lead the recruitment and data collection (questionnaire based screening and qualitative interviews) for a Sir Halley Stewart Trust and Cranstoun funded Research Project. The Project aims to assess the prevalence of ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) traits in individuals who are in treatment at Cranstoun’s Drug and Alcohol Treatment services. We will also investigate the experience of this group in accessing services, their journey through treatment and their treatment outcomes.  

If you’re someone with a strong academic background in psychology (or related discipline), research expertise, and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact, we want to hear from you. 

What We Offer: 

Professional Growth: Relevant training and development opportunities will be provided. Supportive Environment: Join a collaborative team that values empathy, professionalism, and shared learning. 

This is an excellent opportunity to gain all-round hands-on experience in conducting mixed methods collaborative research, which aims at improving the lives of individuals with multiple needs.  

The Person 

What We’re Looking For: 

Education: A degree in Psychology or a related discipline (minimum BSc; MSc preferred). Research Experience: Proven experience in conducting research, preferably both quantitative and qualitative, including participant recruitment, data collection, and high-quality data analysis. Key Skills: Excellent communication and teamwork skills. Empathy and a non-judgmental approach when working with vulnerable individuals who use substances, while maintaining healthy professional boundaries. Desirable Knowledge & Experience: Familiarity with trauma-informed practice. Experience in ADHD and ASD testing is highly desirable. 

How to Apply  

To apply click on ‘Apply Online’ and fill out the application form. Further information about the application process can be found here: https://jobs.uwl.ac.uk/display.aspx?id=1253&pid=0  

Please email hr.recruitment@uwl.ac.uk if you need any assistance with the application process. 

Interviews are expected to be held in the week commencing the 15th of October.  

For informal enquiries about the position please contact Dr Raffaella Milani, Assoc. Prof. in Addiction Studies Raffaella.milani@uwl.ac.uk 

Additional Information  

Read more about working at the University of West London at https://www.uwl.ac.uk/about-us/how-university-works/why-work-uwl 

An Enhanced DBS Certificate is required for this post (to be undertaken upon appointment). 

This position does NOT meet the University criteria for Skilled Worker sponsorship. 

Our department is under-represented in terms of staff from BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) backgrounds, of LGBT+ identities, and with disabilities. UWL is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter, and is a Disability Confident Employer as well as a Diversity Champion for Stonewall, the leading LGBT+ rights organisation. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, particularly those mentioned above to increase diversity in our workforce.  

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.  

Please be advised that it is expected that appointment within a grade will normally be at the minimum point.  

The University reserves the right to close the vacancy earlier than the published end date should it receive sufficient applications to warrant earlier shortlisting.

Closing Date: 06 Oct 2024

Department: Academic

Salary: £25,582 to £31,220 pro rata per annum