Description Grade UE06: £34,610 - £39,906 per annum pro-rata for part-time College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Full-time: 35 hours per week Fixed-term: for 5 years The Opportunity: Research Assistant ( six years PhD tuition fees) to join the Discovering Liveability: Co-producing alternatives to suicide prevention project, contributing to innovative suicide research that centres liveability and lived/living experience. This post is full-time (35 hours per week) for 5 years. The post also comes with dedicated funding for the postholder to undertake a part-time PhD (Doctoral degree/postgraduate research degree) in Health in Social Science at the University of Edinburgh. The project will fund PhD tuition fees (home fees) for a maximum of six years. The link to information about the degree programme is here: https://health.ed.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/phd-health-in-social-science. This role specifically focuses on developing research that is led by and co-produced with people who have lived and/or living experience of suicide. As such, we are seeking to recruit applicants with their own lived experiences of suicide (personal experience of suicidal thoughts or attempts, suicide bereavement, or caring for someone experiencing suicidality) who would like to conduct their own suicide research project as part of the Discovering Liveability team. We also encourage people from under-represented groups to apply. Although we can offer some informal flexibility around hybrid working, the post requires regular in-person attendance (weekly) at the University of Edinburgh for meetings and training. The post holder will also be required to conduct qualitative field work within settings defined by their research proposal, which may involve (UK) travel/staying in fieldwork locations. The salary for this post is Grade UE06: £34,610.00 to £39,906.00 per annum, the post-holder be appointable on first point of the grade due to budgetary restrictions (£34,610.00), with automatic increments awarded as outlined in Conditions of Service. Your skills and attributes for success: Lived or living experience of suicide or suicidality; defined as personal experience of suicidal thoughts or attempts, suicide bereavement, or caring for someone experiencing suicidality and a desire to engage that experience to lead your own research. Hold an undergraduate degree and/ or a Master’s degree in a relevant social science subject. You do not need to have a postgraduate degree to apply for this position. You have an idea for a suicide research project you would like to conduct led by your lived/living experience of suicide or suicidality. Have an ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, and English-language proficiency as required for admission to the PhD Health in Social Science. Experience engaging and building rapport with individuals of diverse backgrounds. Have an aware of the sensitivities and ethical considerations of working with suicide. Click to view a copy of the full job description Application Information Please ensure you include the following in your application: - Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume (1-5 pages); - Cover letter (up to 3 pages) OR in place of a written cover letter, you may submit a video personal statement up to 5 minutes long; Please see the following link for further information about the Discovering Liveability project and this role, support for minoritised researchers at the University of Edinburgh, and for tips and suggestions for application materials (CV, cover letter or video cover letter). More detailed information regarding this post will be shared online at the following address: https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/discovering-liveability/get-involved/ As a valued member of our team you can expect: A competitive salary. Six years dedicated part-time PhD tuition fees. Access to a personal well-being fund throughout the project for self-care and well-being support. To join a diverse and supportive team of suicide researchers. An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community. Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page and use our reward calculator to discover the value of your pay and benefits. Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality. Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages. On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK. Key dates to note The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 21 st April 2026. Unless stated otherwise, the closing time for applications is 11:59 pm (UK time). If you are applying from outside the UK, the closing time shown on our adverts will automatically adjust to your browser’s local time zone. Interviews will be held during the week commencing 18 th May 2026. Rough timeline of related PhD application process: Mid-late May – Job offer made. May-June 2026 – Successful applicant supported to apply for the part-time PhD Health in Social Science. September 2026 – Post begins. Part-time PhD begins.