Job description

We are seeking two talented and self-motivated individuals with health or social science research experience and an interest in qualitative methods to join our growing team. As a Research Assistant/Associate, you will work with Dr Andreas Xyrichis to deliver FEARLESS ICU, an NIHR-funded research project investigating interprofessional collaborative working in intensive care units (ICU). 

Project summary:

FEARLESS will examine team working in UK ICUs to understand the factors that influence collaborative practice in the post-pandemic context. This includes analysis of NHS staff survey data to identify trends related to organizational, professional group, and staff profile factors that influence teamwork. In-depth work with ICU frontline staff, including observations of actual ICU working and interviews with clinicians of different seniority and professions, will also be completed. Reflective workshops with ICU teams using practice cases will aid development of a logic model and a toolkit for improving interprofessional collaborative working in ICU, to be evaluated in successive research. 

Main responsibilities:

•       Support delivery of applied health research projects and contribute to education and training of health professionals at King’s, including research student supervision.  

•       Contribute to or lead analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, liaising with stakeholders and research participants, undertaking systematic reviews, and collecting qualitative observational and interview data.  

•       Support in identifying and applying for further funding to support new fellowships and research to carry the work forward. 

Benefits:

•       Significant opportunity to hone your methodological skills through funded training and conference participation, incl. PhD fees. 

•       Gain and develop practical experience in all aspects of applied health research. 

•       Develop expertise in interprofessional science and network with international experts. 

Requirements:

•       A degree in health or social sciences awarded to a high level. 

•       Highly motivated with excellent communication skills. 

•       Ability to work independently as well as part of a team. 

•       Sound grasp of quantitative and qualitative methods. 

•       Enjoy working on multiple activities with competing deadlines.  

The post is hosted at the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, at King’s College London. King’s applied health and social care research is ranked first in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework 2021 overall, as well as for outputs, impact, and environment. The Faculty is ranked 2nd in the world for Nursing. We are keen to hear from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experience. 

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract initially for 2 years, with the possibility of extending. 

This post is available in a full-time or part-time basis – minimum 50% up to 100% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

• Manage and execute all delegated areas of project activity, keeping to agreed deadlines.
• Liaise with team members, funders, collaborating organisations, participant institutions, and other project stakeholders.
• Prepare and submit applications and amendments for ethics and regulatory approvals.
• Support coordination of patient and public involvement activities.
• Lead on preparation of funder reports to NIHR working with the wider team, updating of reporting databases, writing of peer reviewed papers and grant applications.
• Contribute to relevant education activities within the Faculty.
• Collect qualitative data with patients, carers, professionals, and other relevant individuals as required by the project.
• Analyse qualitative and quantitative data working with the wider team.
• Establish, manage, and update an electronic database of relevant references.
• Contribute to project dissemination activities, including managing social media accounts, updating the project website, and participating in conferences.
• Any other duties consistent with the grade of the post, as agreed with Dr Andreas Xyrichis.

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria

1. Excellent academic track record, including a degree in health or social sciences awarded to a high level (e.g. first or 2:1), and Masters in a relevant subject. For the Associate post a PhD is required. 
2. Relevant research experience, in particular with literature reviews, interviewing, protocol development, analysing data, and reporting findings. 
3. Reasonable understanding of research methods, including qualitative, quantitative, mixed method, and experimental designs in health services research; and ability to learn new designs and approaches as needed. 
4. Commitment to excellent academic standards, including high quality reports and publications, communication skills, and attention to detail and accuracy. 
5. Sound research-related computing skills, including word processing, reference management, and packages to support data analysis; and ability to learn new software as needed. 
6. Highly organized, self-motivated, flexible and able to meet deadlines and prioritise competing workloads.  
7. Commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity for staff and students. 

Desirable criteria

1. Research, or clinical experience in intensive care. 
2. Familiarity with ethnographic research methods. 
3. Enthusiasm for knowledge translation, public involvement, and social media management. 
4. Proficiency in systematic reviews, including critical appraisal. 
5. Experience of drafting grant applications and working with stakeholders. 

Please note that the Research Associate post is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6. 

Further information

We are committed to continually improving the diversity of our workforce, and therefore we encourage applications from all groups. This includes from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic groups, the LGBTQI+ community, those who are neurodiverse and those with a disability. 

King’s considers the professional and personal development of our staff a priority and we offer an inspiring range of opportunities for training and career progression. Our Organisational Development team provide in-house and bespoke learning.