The Faculty of Education at the University of Cambridge wishes to appoint an enthusiastic and motivated Research Associate to work on a programme of research focussed on the promotion of mental health in the first years of life. The research is funded by UK Research and Innovation through a fellowship award held by Dr Christine O’Farrelly. The programme of work addresses key research questions relating to the promotion of young children’s mental health using cutting edge methods in computer science, statistics, intervention development, and digital healthcare. The research programme goal is to develop new approaches to identifying mental health needs in young children, as well as interventions that respond to the priorities and needs of families and the service contexts in which they are delivered. The project is being undertaken in collaboration with international researchers, NHS and third sector partners.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate experience of planning, developing and delivering projects related to child development/early childhood mental health. They will have experience of leading studies and working closely with diverse stakeholder networks. The role will involve coproduction and the use of rapid cycle design and testing approaches and both quantitative and qualitative analysis. There will be opportunities for intellectual autonomy and creativity. The postholder will be supported in undertaking training and professional development to support their career progression.
Applicants must hold a PhD (or be close to completing) in a relevant subject and be able to demonstrate an interest in the research area or research methodology. Experience of managing complex research projects in early years school or family settings is essential, ideally including intervention development/testing and coproduction principles/methods.
Applicants must also demonstrate good interpersonal skills and the ability to liaise with a range of professionals and families with young children, academic colleagues, and those working in the third sector. The ability to work independently, managing workloads to tight deadlines, across multiple projects, and in international teams, is also essential.
Appointment as Research Associate is dependent on having a PhD, including those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD (in which case appointment will initially be made at Research Assistant and amended to Research Associate when the PhD is awarded).
The position is full-time, available from 01 August 2022 until 31 March 2026 in the first instance.
Applications are particularly encouraged from candidates from a BAME background.
We hope to hold interviews during the week commencing 27 June.
Informal enquiries can be addressed to Dr Christine O’Farrelly ()
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
