Research Assistant in Public Health

Newcastle University

Requisition ID: 28372
Location: Newcastle, GB
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Working Pattern: Part Time
Posted Date: 12 August 2025

Salary:

  • Research Assistant: £33,002 - £33,951

  • Research Associate: £35,608 - £46,049

Newcastle University offers excellent benefits, including a generous holiday package, the opportunity to purchase additional leave, pension schemes, and health and wellbeing initiatives.

Closing Date: 09 September 2025

Role Overview

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and highly motivated Research Assistant/Associate to join a Nuffield Foundation-funded study investigating the feasibility of delivering a preschool sleep intervention (SleepBoost) alongside a community language intervention (Chatterbox) to boost language outcomes in 2–3-year-old children at risk of language difficulties.

The study is led by Dr Vic Knowland, with Dr Faye Smith, Professor Cristina McKean (Oxford University), and colleagues from the Children’s Public Health Service in North Tyneside Council.

The postholder will be responsible for:

  • Co-ordinating and delivering the SleepBoost intervention

  • Collaborating with the second Research Assistant/Associate (Speech and Language Therapist) delivering the Chatterbox intervention

  • Collating data to evaluate intervention outcomes

  • Writing and disseminating research outcomes

  • Engaging beyond academic audiences via workshops and other activities

Flexible working is supported; however, delivering the SleepBoost intervention requires regular in-person sessions in North Tyneside and some local travel. An enhanced DBS check is required.

Informal enquiries: Dr Vic Knowland (vic.knowland@newcastle.ac.uk)

Contract: 36 months fixed term at 0.6 FTE (22 hours per week)

Key Accountabilities

  • Organising intervention sessions and data collection, including implementation and analysis of SleepBoost

  • Working directly with families of 2–3-year-old children to support child sleep

  • Collaborating with North Tyneside Council and project colleagues

  • Conducting research-related administration and ensuring ethical data management

  • Maintaining knowledge of relevant research and policy developments

  • Preparing research outcomes for publication and presentation at national/international conferences

  • Undertaking training and career development activities

The Person (Essential/Desirable)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

  • Theoretical knowledge of children’s sleep and/or language development (E)

  • Knowledge of intervention design, implementation, and evaluation (E)

  • Experience working with children and families for research data collection (D)

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to collaborate effectively (E)

  • Awareness of and sensitivity to needs of participants from diverse cultural backgrounds (E)

  • Data analysis skills, including quantitative statistical techniques (E)

  • Experience interpreting research data and results (E)

  • Ability to rapidly acquire new skills (E)

Attributes and Behaviour:

  • Ability to analyse and reflect on own performance (E)

  • Willingness to travel to research sites off Newcastle University campus (E)

  • Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion (E)

  • Systematic approach to project planning, time management, organisation, and prioritisation (E)

  • Collegial contribution to interdisciplinary project teams (E)

  • Commitment to personal career development (E)

Qualifications:

  • Driving license (D)

  • Research Assistant: Working towards or near completion of a PhD (submission within 3 months) in Speech and Language Sciences, Education, Psychology, Linguistics, or related discipline

  • Research Associate: Fully completed PhD in Speech and Language Sciences, Education, Psychology, Linguistics, or related discipline

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Newcastle University is committed to inclusivity, supporting colleagues from all backgrounds, and providing a welcoming environment for people fleeing violence or persecution. The University holds:

  • Silver Athena Swan Award – gender equality

  • Race Equality Charter Bronze Award – tackling race inequality

  • Disability Confident Employer – guaranteed interviews for disabled applicants meeting essential criteria

Newcastle University is also a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

Requisition ID: 28372

Contact: For further information, contact Dr Vic Knowland (vic.knowland@newcastle.ac.uk)

Apply