College of MVLS

School of Health and Wellbeing

Research Assistant/Associate

GRADE 6/7

Job Purpose

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly-skilled quantitative researcher to contribute to the globally leading National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-4). The Natsal surveys are among the largest population surveys of sexual behaviour and health in the world. Data from the surveys underpin UK sexual health policies and programmes.

You can read more about the Natsal surveys here: https://www.natsal.ac.uk/

Based in the School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, you will make a leading contribution to analysing and writing up findings from Natsal-4. Working directly with Prof Kirstin Mitchell at University of Glasgow, you will be part of a wider team of analysts based across University College London and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

The ideal candidate will be a quantitative researcher with exceptional survey analysis skills, capable of producing high-quality outputs to tight deadlines. Ideally, they will have experience working on large-scale and complex datasets. A collaborative team player, they will contribute actively to a supportive and dynamic team.

This post has funding for 15 months full-time salary but we will also consider applicants who wish to work part-time over a longer period.

We request that applicants specifically document how they meet the essential and desirable criteria in their covering letter.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal/Co Investigators:

1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables. Specifically this involves analysis of complex survey data.

2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases.

3. Lead and contribute to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals.

4. Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences and meetings

5. Contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.

6. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in meetings/seminars/workshops across the Sexual Health and Wellbeing (SHaW) group, School of Health and Wellbeing and wider community.

7. Contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

8. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.

9. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field of sexual health

10. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.

11. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Head of School/Public Health group lead.

12. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.

For appointment at grade 7:

13. Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility, particularly in relation to planning, funding, collaborating and publishing research, and mentoring colleagues.

14 Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.

15. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & integrate this learning into future research strategies.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Knowledge & Qualifications

Essential:

A1 SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in Public Health or a cognate discipline, or equivalent.

A2 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of population sexual health and wellbeing

Desirable:

B1 An awarded (or recently submitted or near completion) PhD in subject specialism or equivalent.

For appointment at grade 7: Essential:

A3  Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) plus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience.

Skills

Essential:

C1 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of quantitative survey analysis, including appropriate statistical methods for population survey analysis, sampling considerations and bias. C2 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.

C3 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.

C4 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills.

C5 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills, including experience of using R and/or Stata.

C6 Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.

C7 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

Desirable

D1 Advanced specialist knowledge of quantitative survey analysis

D2 Advanced knowledge of combining datasets and conducting analysis of change over time

D3 Specialist knowledge of population sexual behaviour and sexual health

For appointment at grade 7:

Essential:

C8 Knowledge of advanced statistical methods relevant to population survey data

Experience

Essential:

E1 Sufficient relevant research experience (or equivalent) appropriate to an early career researcher.

E2 Experience of undertaking complex quantitative analysis of large datasets

E3 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

E4 Evidence of an emerging track record of publications relevant to public health.

Desirable

E5 Experience of leading or co-leading on designing an analysis plan for a quantitative research paper

For appointment at grade 7:

Essential:

E6 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences .

E7 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.

E8 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.

E9 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, including experience of designing research questions and analysis protocols.

Desirable:

F1 An emerging national or international reputation.

F2 A track-record of research in sexual behaviour and health.

Please note that as part of your application you must address and demonstrate how you meet EACH of the essential/desirable criteria. This post would be suitable for job-share.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Kirstin Mitchell Kirstin.Mitchell@glasgow.ac.uk

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6/7, £33,951 - £37,694 / £41,064 - £46,049 per annum.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week) and has funding available for up to 15 months.

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.  If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

Closing date: 13 March 2026 at 23:45