Research Associate

Overview

Aston University invites applications for a Research Associate position within the Psychology, Health and Clinical Sci School, affiliated with the Aston Institute for Health and Neurodevelopment. The successful applicant will join a multidisciplinary team of researchers, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists working on LADDERS, a £2.29 million national randomised controlled trial funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Technology Assessment Programme. The trial evaluates a parent-mediated anxiety intervention for children with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities, aiming to improve access to evidence-based psychological support for children and families.

Who can apply

Applicants should hold a PhD in psychology, health, behavioural science, or a related discipline, or possess equivalent qualifications and substantial relevant research experience. Experience in mental health assessment or research involving children and young people with intellectual disabilities is considered particularly valuable for this position.

What you get

The salary for this role ranges from £41,885 to £46,970 per annum on a pro-rata basis. Staff benefits include training and development opportunities, an annual leave scheme comprising 30 days of bookable leave plus 13 days of bank holidays and university closure days, everyday retailer discounts, family-friendly policies, and access to an on-site gym and pool with discounted staff membership. The role is also likely to qualify for endorsement under the Endorsed Funder route of the Global Talent visa.

Requirements

The appointed researcher will independently manage defined aspects of the trial, including participant recruitment coordination, eligibility assessments against clinical criteria, and blinded outcome assessments. Responsibilities also include contributing to scientific delivery, ensuring data quality and research governance, engaging in data analysis and academic publication, and supervising students while collaborating with UK-wide research and clinical partners.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 2026-11-30.