Research Associate in Perinatal Mental Health

Applications are invited for a position of Research Associate.

This post is part of the NIHR-funded Maternity Disparities Consortium within Theme 2 - Pregnancy, birth and early postnatal maternal health, with a particular focus on research programmes in perinatal mental health and psychosocial wellbeing. This consortium aims to conduct high-quality research to reduce inequalities in outcomes for women and babies. Within the consortium, researchers come from a range of disciplines and are working together to provide a new approach to addressing maternity inequalities.

The post will be based at Saint Marys Hospital and will be part of the Manchester Centre for Health Psychology. The post involves working as a part of a multidisciplinary team across three sites: Manchester, Shefield and Newcastle. The post holder will take an appreciative inquiry approach to understand the implementation process of perinatal mental health pathways. They will carry out analysis of research data gathered through interviews, focus groups, desk top study and field work. They will be actively involved in the write-up and dissemination of these findings.

The successful applicant will have a PhD or equivalent qualification in relevant topic or discipline. Experience of qualitative research is essential. The appointee will receive full training as appropriate. However, the ability to conduct work independently is essential, alongside excellent communication skills and regular participation in lab meetings.

You will be responsible for:

• To work collaboratively with colleagues from Sheffield Hallam University and Newcastle University, supporting others in a flexible manner
• Actively contribute to the design, planning and conduct of the specific research study. This includes adopting an appreciative inquiry approach to understand the implementation process of PMH pathways including strengths, resources and best practices.
• Carry out research activities as part of the 4D Model of Appreciative Inquiry – Discovery, Dream, Design and Destiny including:
• Carry out analysis of research data gathered through interviews, focus groups, desk top study and field work.
• To support amalgamation of data and co-produce a culturally appropriate, potentially efficient and equity-informed enhanced PMH care and psychosocial wellbeing intervention.

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria:

• PhD or equivalent professional qualification in relevant topic or discipline.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills, with the ability to plan, organize and undertake a complex workload with multiple and competing priorities including managing a qualitative study.
• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research approaches and analytical approaches.
• Recent experience of conducting qualitative research, including recruitment, data collection and data analysis.
• Ability to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team, and to develop and maintain good relationships with colleagues and healthcare professionals

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of appreciative inquiry
• Evidence of contributing to published research.
• Good knowledge of perinatal mental health care pathways.

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:
• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Samina Faisal

Email Address: samina.faisal@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support

recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.