Research Associate - YouthReach - School of Psychology - 107325 - Grade 6

Job Description

Position Details

School of Psychology

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression once in post to £39,906

Grade: 6

Part Time 0.5 FTE (18.75 hours per week)

Fixed Term contract up to July 2027

Closing date: 6 th May 2026

UK and International travel may be required for this role

Background

We are seeking to appoint a part-time Research Associate (0.5 FTE) to support the project delivery of our EU Horizon funded Youthreach project.

Youthreach will work in close collaboration with young people, to evaluate three very promising interventions, all using innovative, preventive, transdiagnostic approaches necessary to tackle the current challenges our young people are facing, offering valuable perspectives to the next generation of young people and healthcare professionals. These three interventions are complementary and together will offer a complete, integrated youth mental health prevention & early intervention package, including:

An accessible, free, walk-in centre designed to promote trust within a youth-friendly, anonymous setting. A smartphone-based self-help app enabling young people to actively manage their own mental health. A hybrid online platform involving both professional and peer support.

YouthReach is coordinated by Maastricht University and is supported by 12 countries across Europe. The University of Birmingham is leading on the stakeholder engagement work package and will also support the evaluation of the three interventions within local services

Role Summary

Work within the specified research grant (Youthreach) and work towards deliverable outputs and milestones Build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders and engage them meaningfully in research Liaise, and work in close partnership, with consortium members across Europe, including European travel Convene and facilitate advisory groups Liaise with, and build relationships with local NHS trusts and mental health professionals Support the recruitment of vulnerable young people into research Support PPIE activities and coordinate PPIE advisory meetings Support data acquisition Contribute to publications

Main Duties

Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews Analyse research data as directed Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

Degree or equivalent in relevant subject area Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques Experience of working with young people Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively Ability to access and organise resources successfully Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly Requirement for DBS, Occupational Health Check and awareness of the Data Protection Act (DPA) Potential for European travel therefore a valid passport/visa will be required Proficiency in a second European language (German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch or Estonian) is desirable but not essential

OH&DBS Required

The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Occupational Health and DBS clearance prior to appointment.

Informal enquiries to Shahara Choudhry, email: s.h.choudhry@bham.ac.uk

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website .