An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated researcher to join our multidisciplinary team of researchers, clinical psychologists and psychiatrists working on LADDERS, a £2.29 million national randomised controlled trial funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme. The trial is evaluating a parent-mediated anxiety intervention for children with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities and aims to improve access to evidence-based psychological support for children and families.
The successful applicant will be affiliated with the Aston Institute for Health & Neurodevelopment and work collaboratively with researchers at University College London (UCL), Leicester Clinical Trials Unit and NHS partners across the UK. Flexible hybrid and remote working arrangements are supported.
The researcher will take independent responsibility for defined aspects of the trial, including coordinating participant recruitment, conducting assessments of eligibility against protocol-defined clinical criteria and undertaking blinded outcome assessments. They will contribute to the methodological and scientific delivery of the research, ensuring high standards of data quality and research governance, and play an active role in data analysis, academic publications and dissemination. The role will also involve supporting and supervising students and collaborating with researchers and clinical partners across the UK.
We welcome applications from candidates with a PhD in psychology, health, behavioural science or a related discipline, or equivalent qualifications and substantial relevant research experience. Experience in mental health assessment or research involving children and young people with intellectual disabilities would be particularly valuable.
The start date for this role will be March 2027.
What we offer:
- Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
- Excellent training and development opportunities.
- A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
- Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers
- Great family friendly policies
- On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available
- Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here
This role is likely to qualify for endorsement under the Endorsed Funder route of the Global Talent visa. This visa is for talented or promising individuals in academia or research in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, social sciences, or humanities.
See the Home Office guidance: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent
The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.
Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston
Guidance on AI-Assisted Applications
While we cannot prevent applicants from using AI tools to support their application, we ask that all submissions reflect your own experience, achievements, and motivations. We want to understand what you personally bring to the role, so please ensure your application represents your own voice and capabilities.
We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.
If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk