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Research associate

Newcastle Upon Tyne (Tyne and Wear)
Newcastle University
Research associate
Posted: 17 February
Offer description

Salary: £35,608 per annum, pro rata



Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.



Closing Date: 10 March 2026





The Role



The LifeArc Centre for Acceleration of Rare Disease Trials (ARDT) brings together a consortium of three universities from across the UK: Newcastle University, Queen’s University Belfast, and University of Birmingham. This role as a post-doctoral Research Associate will be based in Newcastle at the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre (JWMDRC), and work with colleagues across the consortium to deliver research as part of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) work-package. The post-holder will ensure EDI is embedded throughout the LifeArc Centre for ARDT in accordance with the ARDT EDI Strategy.



Patients with rare diseases with characteristics associated with inequality and disadvantage (e.g. those experiencing socio-economic barriers or are ethnically minoritised) are consistently under-represented in clinical trials, contributing to poorer health outcomes. We aim to address this by undertaking research to better understand the barriers and facilitators to inclusive rare disease research, generating best practice frameworks, and implementing measures that better engage diverse rare disease populations in trial participation, research design, and access to treatments.



Summary of the role:

* Work within the ARDT EDI work-package (WPB) projects and contribute to writing bids
* Also contribute to the related work of the ARDT PPIE work-package
* Operate within area of specialism (e.g. conducting systematic evidence syntheses, qualitative data collection and analysis, consensus-generation using Delphi survey and workshops, participatory and equity-focused research methods)
* Analyse and interpret research findings and results
* Support and develop EDI good practice within the JWMDRC
* Contribute to generating funding
* Contribute to public understanding of EDI in rare-disease
* Manage and oversee outreach and engagement activities as part of PPIE, ensuring these have principles of EDI embedded into their planning and delivery


The ARDT project is establishing a UK-wide rare disease clinical trials platform to enable faster and more efficient delivery of drug and treatment trials. Within the EDI work package, the focus is on (i) conducting research on patient participation in rare disease trials, and (ii) establishing and supporting the involvement of people with lived experience of rare diseases (PLERD) across the project. Working closely with colleagues, EDI and PPIE experts at Birmingham University and Queen’s University Belfast, as well as patient advocacy organisations such as Genetic Alliance UK, the team will use qualitative and participatory approaches to identify under-represented groups in clinical research and explore barriers they may face to participation, embedding co-design and co-production in all aspects of the Centre’s work. You will be based in the John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre within the Translational Clinical Research Institute of Newcastle University, joining an interdisciplinary team led by Cathy Turner, Victoria Hedley, and Professor Dave Jones, with strong links to the ARDT’s Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) activities.



This post is 0.8 FTE (four days per week) fixed term for a period of 24 months from the start date.



For informal enquiries contact: Catherine.Turner@ncl.ac.uk



This post will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check



Find out more about the Faculty of Medical Sciences here:



Find out more about our Research Institutes here:



As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles. These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.



Key Accountabilities


* Although working under the general guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator, the postholder will contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of their studies, thus providing substantial 'added value'
* Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment as outlined in the personal requirements
* Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required
* Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and in time develop own research objectives and proposals for funding
* Begin to write, with appropriate support, proposals for individual research funding or, where funders do not permit this, contribute to the writing of collective bids
* Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
* Contribute to the writing up of their research for publication and dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications
* Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline
* May be involved in the supervision, with guidance, of final year undergraduate research projects and in providing support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants
* Will need to work with the support staff and, on occasions, with undergraduate and postgraduate students, and interact intellectually with other academic members of the Institute.
* May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities
* Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment
* Undertake research activities, including developing new models, techniques and methods, conducting systematic evidence syntheses, qualitative data collection and analysis, consensus-generation using Delphi surveys and workshops, and participatory, equity-focused research methods
* Contribute EDI expertise to grant applications, training programmes, and project delivery to ensure inclusivity in rare disease research
* Collaborate across scientific, clinical, and PPIE work packages to embed EDI principles and translate findings into improved practice across Newcastle University’s rare disease community
* Disseminate project findings through academic publications, presentations, and engagement with the wider rare disease patient community, including online and social media platforms
* Undertake management/administration arising from research and provide guidance, as required, to support staff and students assisting with the project



The Person



Knowledge, Skills and Experience

* Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills
* Detailed subject knowledge in the area of research (EDI principles in clinical research and care, preferably within a rare-disease context)
* Likelihood of advanced skills directly related to the research projects
* High level of analytical and problem-solving capability
* Ability to communicate complex information with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others
* Experience of research with clear transferable skills and some experience or awareness of the research environment
* Presentations at conferences and/or high-quality publications
* Background of research within one of the following: Science and Technology Studies (STS) in health, applied health research, bioethics, or a closely related discipline
* Experience of planning and conducting qualitative research, including participatory and deliberative methods
* Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
* Demonstrated organisational skills in planning and delivering research-related or public engagement events
* Research interests aligned with the project’s themes, such as PPIE, EDI, new health technologies, or health inequalities
* Experience of writing or contributing to academic publications

Desirable

* Experience of effectively working with diverse stakeholders including those with health conditions.
* Knowledge and understanding of challenges facing clinical research in rare diseases.
* Understanding of clinical trial design and delivery



Attributes and Behaviour

* Ability to work independently and as part of a team
* Clear commitment to interdisciplinary research
* Ability to travel and undertake fieldwork around the UK.
* Commitment to EDI.



Qualifications

* A PhD in a relevant discipline.

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.



We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.



At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.



In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

Requisition ID: 29105

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