Job purpose
The aim of this research post is to contribute to a clinical trial called the ‘My Diabetes and Me Study’. This study is investigating the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a Type 2 diabetes education programme for adults with learning disabilities (called DESMOND-ID) across the UK, in accordance with a grant awarded by the National Institute of Health Research. Working with Dr Maria Truesdale and within the UK study team, to provide research support and co-ordinate the day-to-day running of the study at this site. Within this role you will develop personal skills as a researcher and assist with the current programme of research being conducted by the School of Health and wellbeing. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the project Principal Investigator/s and other researchers on the project team:
1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.
2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
3. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/School/Research Group, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.
4. Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
5. Contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and to 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 team/ group/ meetings/ seminars/ workshops across the research Group/School/College/University 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. Carry out modest Teaching activities [e.g. demonstrating etc.] and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.
10. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
11. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.
12. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.
13. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, Inspiring People Changing The World.
These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight several major tasks, which you may be reasonably expected to perform.
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential:
A1 SCQF Level 10 [honours degree] in a public health-related discipline (such as nursing, psychology, health, social science) or a cognate discipline, or equivalent.
A2 An understanding and/or experience of conducting research using qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
A3. A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of health-related issues of vulnerable populations, ideally in adults with learning disabilities and/or diabetes.
Desirable:
B1 An awarded [or recently submitted or near completion] PhD in subject specialism or equivalent
Skills
Essential:
C1. An ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
C2. Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.
C3. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
C4. Self-motivated with the ability to work with minimum supervision, manage own workload and take responsibility for meeting study targets.
C5. Ability to be sensitive to the needs of vulnerable populations.
C6. Excellent project management and organisational skills.
C7. Proficient in using Microsoft Office including Microsoft word and excel
Desirable
D1 Access and willingness to use transport to meet the needs of the post. The project will require travel to research sites in Glasgow and Lanarkshire – Driving License and access to own transport
Experience
Essential:
E1. Recent relevant research experience in learning disabilities or diabetes or other public health-related areas.
E2. An understanding of, and experience of quantitative methodologies including data collection and analysis.
E3. An understanding of, and experience of qualitative research methodologies including data collection and analysis.
E4. Experience of conducting oral presentations to key stakeholder e.g. academic and non-academic.
E5. Proven ability to show good time management.
E6. Experience in project co-ordination, management for a research study.
E7. Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 6, £30,502 - £34,308 per annum pro rata.
This post is part-time (21 hours per week), and has funding up to 4 November 2025.
As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.
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 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.