Research Assistant

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to join the PCIU to support research, and educational projects within the TARGET and e-Bug workstreams. The post holder will be geographically based in Gloucester, although will be able to work from home part of the week. The successful applicant will enjoy a varied role, that will focus on the development and implementation of resources and training packages to improve antimicrobial stewardship in primary care settings.

This post is positioned in the Primary Care and Interventions Unit (PCIU) of UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The PCIU aims to prevent and improve the management of common infections through research, guidance, intervention development and education of health care professionals, the general public and young people. The unit works closely with health care professionals, educational establishments and community groups, commissioning organisations, and the public to raise awareness of antibiotic resistance, respiratory and hand hygiene, and other common infections. The PCIU runs two distinct programmes of work, the international e-Bug (www.e-bug.eu) schools and community programme and the TARGET antibiotics programme.

This role will be based at our UKHSA Primary Care & Interventions Unit, Twyver House, Gloucester GL1 1DQ (hybrid working available subject to line manager approval and business needs).

*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*

Working Pattern - Full Time, Part Time, Job Share, Flexible Working, Hybrid Working

Responsibilities:

• To conduct and assist with the research undertaken in the Primary Care and Interventions Unit, covering infection prevention, antimicrobial use and intervention development and evaluation.
• To develop protocols for research and development activities and communicate with research team as necessary to plan timelines for delivery e.g by updating a project timeline or GANTT chart for the lifetime of the project.
• To implement and utilise a range of quantitative research methods/statistical analyses/techniques in support of all activities associated with research projects aiming to ensure project targets are met.
• To implement and utilise a range of qualitative research methods and analysis techniques to undertake and analyse interviews and focus groups.
• To apply behavioural science to the development of data collection tools, analysis and implications of research findings, including the development of interventions.
• To correspond with ethics committees and submit ethics applications and local approvals.
• To undertake needs assessments to inform the development of diagnostic or educational tools.
• To assist or conduct data collection such as surveys, interviews and focus groups (face to face and telephone) in line with Caldicott guidelines and GDPR.
• To create, manage and manipulate databases (Access/Excel/Endnote/Epidata) including data input; cleaning, coding validation and verification of data sets; and supplying appropriate raw data sets to statisticians.
• To provide reports through descriptive analysis of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets.
• To disseminate research through exhibiting/presenting at conferences, events and workshops; preparing and publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals.
• To assist with the updating, reviewing and administration of resources/tools and websites.
• To organize meetings, participate, take minutes and follow up as delegated.
• To undertake work in accordance with UKHSA’s Health and Safety policies and procedures and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.