Research Assistant/Research Fellow at University of Plymouth

The primary function of the role is to support delivery of an NIHR-funded programme of research, ImPROving GROUP Treatment for People with Severe Obesity (the “PROGROUP” project). This programme of research seeks to better understand current services for people with severe obesity and involves a randomised controlled trial of a new group-based behaviour change intervention (called “PROGROUP”) for people living with severe obesity. The post holder will support the PROGROUP team in delivering, evaluating, and optimising the PROGROUP intervention. This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional and ambitious social/health researcher to work on a large, multi-disciplinary project with potential to fundamentally impact the behavioural treatment for people who have severe obesity.

The post presents an excellent opportunity for you to develop your interests in behavioural science and health behaviour change as applied to the study and treatment of obesity. You will work with a multi-disciplinary team comprising psychologists and behaviour change experts, clinicians, health service researchers, methodologists, and patients and other stakeholders.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role please contact Mark Tarrant by email m.tarrant@exeter.ac.uk

This is a full-time post working up to 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis up to 31st January 2026 due to funding. Please note this is a hybrid role which will involve remote working and working at a location at the University of Plymouth.

Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

Interviews are likely to take place week commencing Monday 9 October 2023 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.

Flexible working options including job share will be considered.

We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.

Closing date: 12 midnight, Sunday 17 September 2023

The Faculty of Health holds a Silver Athena Swan Award and the University holds a Bronze Athena SWAN Award which recognises commitment to advancing women’s careers in STEMM academia.

Staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria.

The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our three strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.

The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages

We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+