Newcastle University
NIHR MDC Research Assistant / Associate
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NIHR MDC Research Assistant / Associate
Research Assistant & Research Associate - NIHR Maternity Disparities Consortium
Salary
- Research Assistant: £33,951 to £35,608
- Research Associate: £36,636 to £46,049
Closing Date: 23 July 2026
About the Role
Applications are invited for an ambitious Research Assistant/Associate to work at the Newcastle University Population Health Sciences Institute, across a nationally-leading research programme funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) as part of the NIHR Maternity Disparities Consortium (MDC).
The NIHR MDC is a £50 million NIHR investment that brings together organisations to improve maternity outcomes and develop future research leaders, with research focusing on inequalities before, during, and after pregnancy.
As a member of the Pregnancy, Birth, and Early Postnatal Motherhood Theme, you will concentrate on:
- Cardiometabolic risk prevention and management
- Equitable perinatal mental health and psychosocial wellbeing
The postholder will be based at Newcastle University (blended working but site-intensive). In addition to collaborative research, you'll support the theme’s research activities for 21 months, ensuring coherence with national objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Research Assistant
- Collect, analyse, and interpret research data, drawing conclusions
- Co-ordinate with colleagues to meet research objectives, contributing to planning and problem-solving
- Present findings to the Principal Investigator or overseeing teams
- Summarise results for publications, reports, papers, or chapters
- Manage and use research resources (e.g., equipment, software)
- Work across different research groups/priorities within the NIHR MDC
- Engage with community organisations to ensure meaningful participation
- Support cardiometabolic and perinatal mental health research development
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Additional Responsibilities for Research Associate
- Propose methodological improvements to projects
- Determine appropriate research methodologies
- Identify areas for further investigations-based research findings
- Present research through publications/seminars at reputable conferences
- Contribute to grant applications and develop your own funding proposals
- Apply participatory approaches (e.g., Appreciative Inquiry) to co-produce mental health and cardiometabolic interventions
Scope of Work
- Administer projects as necessary
- Attend workshops, meetings, and conferences
- Commit to professional development (training where needed)
- Comply with Health & Safety regulations, GDPR, Equality & Diversity policies
Person Specification
Essential Requirements
- Ability to plan complex workloads and prioritise multiple tasks
- Experience in intervention development, implementation science, and qualitative research (including participatory/co-production approaches)
- Proven community/stakeholder engagement and robust interpersonal skills
- Competence in analytical software, workflow organisation, and scientific reporting (verbal, electronic, or paper-based)
For Research Associate only:
- PhD in behavioural science, implementation science, or related health research
- Excellent analytical skills
- Experience presenting research in conferences/publications
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Desirable Attributes
- Knowledge/experience in maternity-related research, NHS settings, and mental/cardiometabolic health
- Familiarity with Patient/Public Involvement & Engagement (PPIE)
Core Behaviours
- Training and mentorship readiness
- Teamwork, collaboration in multidisciplinary settings
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- Ethical integrity and commitment to equality/diversity/inclusion
- Negotiation/prioritisation, professional developmemt mindset
Qualifications
- Research Assistant: Honours degree in health, behavioural, or implementation science
- Research Associate: PhD in behavioural science, implementation science, or related fields
About Newcastle University
We are a values-driven, global institution committed to inclusivity, equality, and rehabilitation. Our initiatives include:
- **Actively supporting researchers fleeing persecution (part of Euraxess)
- Gold Athena Swan and Race Equality Charter Bronze awards
- Disability Confident employer (guaranteed interviews for eligible applicants)
Our Faculty of Medical Sciences and Population Health Sciences Institute provide research expertise to support public health’s most pressing needs. Apply for a role that includes these benefits plus comprehensive support for professional growth. Find more details:
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