Research Assistant
UK Health Security Agency
Gloucester, GL1 1DQView on map(opens Google Maps in a new tab)
Salary
£28,547 to £33,196
Contract
Fixed-Term
Hours
Not specified
Closing date
21 October 2026
1 day leftJob description
The Primary Care and Interventions Unit (PCIU) is a small research team based in Gloucester. It aims to prevent and improve the management of common i...
- To conduct and assist with the research undertaken in the PCIU covering infection prevention, antimicrobial use and intervention development and evaluation.
- To develop protocols for research & 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 & telephone) in line with Caldicott guidelines and GDPR.
- To conduct literature reviews of electronic databases and grey literature.
- To disseminate research through exhibiting/presenting at conferences, events and workshops; preparing and publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals.
The above is not an exhaustive list.
- 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 organise meetings, participate, take minutes and follow up as delegated.
- To undertake work in accordance with UKHSAs Health and Safety policies and procedures and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site.
- Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events
- To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.
It should be noted that the work of the division is of a sensitive nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.
The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager.
The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.
- Educated to MSc degree or degree standard level in microbiological sciences, public health and/or researchOR equivalent demonstrable experience in microbiological sciences, public health and/or research.
- Research and IT skills, specifically in relation to qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies, including conducting focus groups, interview techniques, developing questionnaires and data analysis
- Be required to undertake higher level/advanced training in research methodologies and/or project management e.g. a professional doctorate.
- Self-motivated with meticulous time management skills with the ability to re-prioritise.
- Professional/research experience in the field of public health, education, nursing, microbiology, pharmaceuticals, clinical research or related area.
- Demonstrated ability to work in teams and independently.
- Presentation skills.
- Previous experience in, or knowledge of, health interventions underpinned by behavioural science.
- Previous experience in project delivery.
- Good understanding of skills and experience in safe working practices.
At sift stage you will be assessed against the 7 Essential Criteria listed in this job advert. You will be required to complete:
- an Application Form (Employer/Activity history section on the application)
- a 1000 word Supporting Statement - do not exceed 1000 words as we will not consider any words over this amount
The first 200 words of your Supporting Statement must clearly demonstrate how you meet the Essential Criteria 1 & 2 listed in this job advert. This will enable early identification of applications that meet the key requirements of the role.
The remainder of your Supporting Statement should address the other 5 Essential Criteria (3-7) listed in this job advert. Your Supporting Statement should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role.
You will receive a joint score for your Application Form and Supporting Statement.
The Application Form is the kind of information you would put into your CV please be advised you will not be able to upload or email us your CV. Please complete the Application Form in as much detail as possible.
In the event of a large number of applications, we may longlist into 2 piles of:
- Meets all Essential Criteria
- Meets no Essential Criteria
If no evidence is demonstrated in the first 200 words of your Supporting Statement on how you meet theEssential Criteria 1 & 2 listed in this job advert,your application will be placed in the "Meets No Essential Criteria" pile and will not progress toShortlisting.
In the event of a large number of applications, we may conduct an initial sift on the following 2 Essential Criteria:
- Professional/research experience in the field of public health, education, nursing, microbiology, pharmaceuticals, clinical research or related area.
- Research and IT skills, specifically in relation to qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies, including conducting focus groups, interview techniques, developing questionnaires and data analysis.
At Shortlisting you will be scored on all of the 7 Essential Criteria listed in this job advert. Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/successful candidates.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview. Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Interview (Competency-based)
You will be invited to a single remote interview. Interview date(s) to be confirmed.
During the interview we will assess against your Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities in relation to the 7 Essential Criteria.
You will be asked to prepare and present a 5-minute presentation at the start of the interview. The subject of this will be an analysis of data from webinar feedback. Additional information on the topic and format will be shared prior to interview. This is to further assess your Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities.
We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.
UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.
Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers
Application Form & Supporting Statement
Essential: - Application Form & Supporting Statement
Interview
Essential: - Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities; - Presentation
How to apply
Applications are handled entirely by the employer on the original advert. We do not collect CVs, supporting statements or application data.
Provenance
Source
NHS Jobs
First seen
7 October 2026
Last checked
8 October 2026
Salary, closing date and description are taken from the employer's advert. The original advert always takes precedence.
About the employer
NHS organisation
This listing was structured from NHS Jobs. Vacancy details and the application process remain the responsibility of the original source.
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