About us
Behavioural Science and Early Diagnosis of Cancer Group
Our group has expertise in understanding uptake of cancer screening (focusing on colorectal and cervical screening), communication and decision-making in screening, measuring patient experiences, and assessing knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about cancer. Our research projects are supported by competitively acquired funding by NIHR, Cancer Research UK, and the International Cancer Alliance for Early Detection of Cancer.
Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health
The post is based within the Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health which is one of four research departments within UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care https://www.ucl.ac.uk/epidemiology-health-care/. The Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health is dedicated to research on how human behaviour impacts health and health outcomes. Our research and teaching reflect our interdisciplinary approach to health and wellbeing, focusing on a broad range of public health issues, such as alcohol and tobacco use, heart disease, cancer, and obesity. Further information can be found at: www.ucl.ac.uk/epidemiology-health-care/research/behavioural-science-health .
About the role
Make a real-world impact on cancer inequalities
Are you passionate about using behavioural science to tackle cancer inequalities? Join UCL's world-leading Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care as a Part-time Research Fellow and contribute to research trying to understand the acceptability of novel cancer tests and how to reduce cancer inequalities in early detection.
This role is part of the International Alliance on Early Detection of Cancer (ACED) and offers the opportunity to work across a multi-method, interdisciplinary programme. You'll help shape the future of cancer care by identifying barriers to early diagnosis and co-developing innovative, community-informed interventions.
What you'll do
* Lead the development and testing of behavioural vignettes to explore help-seeking barriers.
* Develop novel mixed methods research including co-design workshops, interviews and surveys using eye tracking and facial expression measures to supplement self-reported data.
* Collaborate with patients, public panels, and healthcare professionals through co-design workshops and simulations.
* Drive inclusive recruitment strategies via online platforms and mobile research units.
* Analyse data and publish findings in high-impact journals.
* Coordinate public engagement and dissemination activities to ensure research reaches those who need it most.
Application Details:
* The position is available from 15th September 2025 and is a fixed term contract with external funding until 30 th of June 2026 in the first instance.
* Appointment will be for a Research Fellow Grade 7: £44,480 -£51,860( incl London allowance, pro rata). Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Research Assistant Grade 6B: £38,607 - £41,255 (incl London allowance, pro rata), with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD thesis.
* This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-staff for more information.
* This role does not meet the eligibility requirements for a skilled worker certificate of sponsorship under UK Visas and Immigration legislation.
Application Process: .
* A full job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.
* Please use the personal statement section to explain how you meet each of the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the person specification
Contact Details:
* If you have any queries regarding the vacancy or the application process, please contact Christian von Wagner (c.wagner@ucl.ac.uk)
* If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact Maria Kristensen (m.kristensen@ucl.ac.uk)
About you
* A PhD (or equivalent experience) in Health Psychology or a related discipline.
* Experience in mixed methods research, using survey tools (e.g. Qualtrics), and conducting both quantitative and qualitative analysis.
* Prior experience in eye tracking research (desirable)
* Knowledge of cancer early detection, health inequalities, and community health services.
* Excellent communication, teamwork, and project coordination skills.
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
* 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
* Additional 5 days' annual leave purchase scheme
* Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
* Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
* Immigration loan and expenses
* Relocation scheme for certain posts
* On-Site nursery
* On-site gym
* Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
* Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
* Discounted medical insurance
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent.
We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.
You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here : https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/ #J-18808-Ljbffr