Research Associate (Maternity Cover)

The University of Manchester - Biology, Medicine Health - Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Science - School of Biological Sciences

Location: Manchester

Salary: £37,694 to £41,064 per annum dependent on relevant experience

Hours: Part Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 2nd September 2025

Closes: 15th September 2025

Job reference: BMH-029658

Faculty/Organisational Unit: Biology, Medicine Health

Location: Oxford Road

Employment type: Fixed Term

Division/Team: Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Science

Hours Per Week: 0.8 FTE

Contract Duration: 10.5 months

School/Directorate: School of Biological Sciences

The research associate is funded by a 2-year NIHR Research for Patient Benefit grant, led by Dr. Helen Young in collaboration with researchers at the University of Liverpool, Manchester Metropolitan University and public contributors. We plan to utilise a decentralised study design with participants recruited from across the UK through the support of our partner organisations - the UK Psoriasis Association, which is the UK’s leading charity and membership organization for individuals with psoriasis and the UK Dermatology Clinical Trials Network (UK DCTN). Therefore, this high-profile, collaborative project will be based at The University of Manchester but involve outreach across the UK.

Overall, the project is aimed at determining whether progression to a definitive multi-centre RCT of MOVE SMART (a low-cost intervention, potentially beneficial across several critical health outcomes for patients with psoriasis) is feasible and whether our methodology is acceptable to volunteers.

The post holder will work with other members of the team to answer this important research question, which has been previously highlighted as the MOST important research priority in the UK-wide Psoriasis Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) and the Psoriatic Arthritis PSP.

The project will involve recruitment of volunteers with psoriasis and their subsequent randomisation to receive either MOVE SMART (in addition to standard care) or standard care only. The post holder will be responsible for leading the day to day running of the project, under the overall direction of Dr Helen Young, including: recruitment, consent, randomisation, guiding / supporting volunteers through the trial processes, data collection and analysis, consultation with other researchers, presentation/reporting and preparation of manuscripts for publication. The post holder must be organised, responsible, and work well with other members of the team and the wider project group.

The post holder will support a wide range of research activities in the field of dermatology, sport and exercise science and clinical trials. This is a dynamic and demanding role and will involve the ability to prioritise tasks. A flexible approach to work is required, as well as the ability to work independently. Interaction with study volunteers will be largely virtual and therefore exceptional people skills will be required. Experience in clinical qualitative research, quantitative analysis and excellent team working are also essential skills.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr Helen Young

Email: helen.s.young@manchester.ac.uk