Research Fellow in Behavioural/Social Science at UCL

About us

Applications are invited for an exciting opportunity to join the Social Biobehavioural Research Group at University College London to undertake research studies into the effects of social prescribing interventions on health, wellbeing, social and behavioural outcomes. The group is a vibrant research team within the Department of Behavioural Science and Health and leads a large portfolio of cutting-edge, cross disciplinary research grants on how social, cultural, and community engagement impacts our health: https://sbbresearch.org/ The group involves around 20 postdoctoral researchers, coordinators and PhD students and works in partnership with over 400 community and third sector organisations, several government departments, NHS England and Public Health England, the World Health Organisation, UK Arts Councils, leading health charities, and patient and public groups. The research group is also a designated World Health Organisation on Collaborating Centre on Arts and Health.

About the role

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated individual with experience in qualitative research and evaluating health and/or social interventions. The aim of the post is to undertake research into the effects of social prescribing interventions in the UK, Europe and the US on health, wellbeing, social and behavioural outcomes. The work will be conducted as part of multiple grants in collaboration with world class academics, health care and public health providers, patient and public groups, and community and voluntary organisations. The role will involve (i) carrying out new empirical and theoretical research, including working on evaluation design, producing study protocols, submitting ethics applications, recruiting participants, gathering and analysing qualitative and quantitative data, and writing reports and papers; (ii) building the team’s partnerships with internal and external collaborators including researchers, health services, schools, community organisations and policy bodies both in the UK and US; (iii) undertaking dissemination activities including writing policy reports, presenting at conferences and to stakeholder groups, and running public engagement and broader stakeholder events; (iv) developing new research ideas and writing and submitting funding applications to further work in this space; and (v) undertaking teaching and research supervision of MSc and PhD students and research assistants. This is a 2-year post (in the first instance) but is likely to be extended, commencing in the autumn of 2023. We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible. This role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 40% on site. This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. 

About you

You will have excellent communication, administration, and organisation skills with the ability to multi-task as well as prioritise under pressure to meet deadlines. Experience of working in an administration role, preferably in a similar environment is essential. You will also need experience of events organisation and communications and marketing skills such as maintaining websites, preparing newsletters, and coordinating social media activity. An interest in social, cultural and/or community engagement and health outcomes is desirable. Your application form and personal statement should address all the person specification points and should clearly demonstrate how your skills and experience meet each of the criteria.