This is a fixed term externally funded role for 18 months offered at 0.9 fte. The role starts 1st July 2026.
The role
Based within the Faculty of Health, Science and Technology and reporting to the Principal Investigator (PI), the Research Associate will support the delivery of an NIHR funded mixed-methods research project exploring decision-making about extending endocrine therapy beyond five years for women with oestrogen receptor positive (ER+) early breast cancer.
The postholder will work closely with the PI, co-investigators, clinical collaborators and patient representatives to deliver all stages of the study, including qualitative interviews, healthcare professional interviews/focus groups and the co-development of preliminary decision support resources. The role will involve engaging with women who have experience of endocrine therapy, healthcare professionals involved in breast cancer care, and members of a Patient Advisory Group.
The Research Associate will contribute to study design, participant recruitment, data collection, qualitative analysis and dissemination of findings. The role will involve working with NHS partners, patient charities and community organisations to ensure inclusive recruitment and meaningful patient involvement.
The postholder will be responsible for ensuring that the research is conducted in accordance with ethical and governance requirements, maintaining high standards of research practice, and contributing to outputs including publications, presentations and future funding applications.
For more information about the role please contact Dr Lucy McGeagh: lmcgeagh@brookes.ac.uk
Interviews will take place on 19th May 2026
About the team
The role sits within a multi-disciplinary, multi-centre research team focused on improving patient-centred care, shared decision-making and supportive care for people affected by cancer. The team works closely with NHS oncology services, primary and secondary care clinicians, patient groups and national charities to develop and evaluate interventions that support informed healthcare decisions and improve quality of life.
The project will involve collaboration with a range of stakeholders including breast cancer clinicians oncologists, surgeons, specialist nurses, pharmacists and GPs, patient partners, and national organisations supporting people with breast cancer. A Patient Advisory Group will be embedded throughout the study, ensuring that patient perspectives inform all stages of the research.
The team is committed to producing high-quality research with real-world impact for patients, healthcare professionals and the wider health system.
What will I be doing?
* Support the delivery of a mixed-methods research project exploring decision-making about extended endocrine therapy in early breast cancer.
* Recruit to and conduct qualitative interviews with women with breast cancer, and with healthcare professionals involved in breast cancer care across primary and secondary care settings.
* Undertake qualitative data analysis (e.g. thematic analysis) and contribute to interpretation of findings within relevant theoretical frameworks.
* Organise and facilitate workshops with patients and healthcare professionals to co-design preliminary decision support resources.
* Work collaboratively with the Patient Advisory Group to ensure meaningful patient and public involvement throughout the project.
* Maintain accurate research documentation and ensure compliance with ethical, governance and data protection requirements.
* Contribute to dissemination activities including academic publications, conference presentations, professional summaries and public-facing outputs.
* Support preparation of future funding applications and knowledge mobilisation with NHS and charity partners.
What skills do I need?
Essential
* A good first degree in psychology, health care sciences or a related subject, and a PhD (or significant equivalent experience) in psychology, health care sciences or a related discipline (completed or close to completion).
* Experience working as an independent researcher or in a postdoctoral research role, including involvement in the day-to-day running of a research project.
* Evidence of research outputs
* Significant experience designing, conducting and analysing qualitative research (e.g. interviews or focus groups).
* Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
* Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team, as well as flexibly to accommodate patient interviews outside of typical working hours
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate sensitively with research participants and stakeholders.
* Willing to contribute to teaching research methods or health-related topics at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
About the location
Based at our Marston Road site, near to the Headington Campus, you will benefit from a supportive academic environment and facilities within the Faculty of Health, Science and Technology. The campus is located on Jack Straws Lane in Marston, approximately one mile from Oxford city centre, and is well connected by regular public transport, cycle routes and pedestrian links. The site is also within easy reach of the University’s main Headington campus, offering access to a wide range of university resources, services and collaborative opportunities.
This would be a hybrid role, where home working is acceptable. However, you will be required to be on campus 1-2 days per week, and will be expected to fully engage with the team and wider university despite the hybrid working environment.
Benefits:
As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 25 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 bank holidays and additional university concessionary days (normally 5 per year), pro-rata for part time staff.
We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly.
We have an extremely competitive pension scheme with generous employer contributions, as well as providing all staff with access to an occupational health service, financial education, and a comprehensive employee assistance helpline.
We prioritise the wellbeing of our employees - physically, mentally and financially - and we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team.
In addition, all employees have access to:
* Discounted rates for the university sports and gym facilities
* An on-site nursery (at Headington Campus; waiting lists for some ages).
* Discounted travel options
* TOTUM card discount scheme
* Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles, subject to terms of the scheme)
* Training and development opportunities
* A connected community - Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks, which instil a sense of community and offer employees a space for support, guidance and friendship, making Brookes a vibrant and inclusive place to work.
Equality, diversity and inclusion:
At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.
As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.