Research Assistant (Part Time, Fixed Term)

About the role

This is a fixed-term, part-time research opportunity for someone eager to strengthen their quantitative research capabilities within palliative and end of life care. The role involves supporting an innovative mixed-methods study focused on improving understanding of inpatient palliative and end of life care for older adults living with frailty, with the goal of enhancing patient experience and coordination across services.

You will work alongside Dr Simon Etkind, Assistant Professor of Palliative Care, and Dr Rosanna Fennessy, Research Associate, and join PELiCam, a collaborative and inclusive research group dedicated to palliative and end of life care. The team offers access to a wider research community and support for professional development in this interdisciplinary area.

Location and working pattern

The post is based at the Primary Care Unit, East Forvie Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0SR, around 2 miles south of the city centre. The role is 50% FTE, equivalent to 18.5 hours per week, and the successful candidate will be expected to be in the department at least one day each week.

What you will work on

The project uses a mixed-methods approach and centres on clinically relevant UK research in palliative and end of life care. The post holder will help generate deeper insight into current inpatient care practices for frail older adults and contribute to work that may inform better service coordination and patient care.

Candidate profile

The ideal applicant will hold a degree, or an equivalent qualification, in a relevant subject and should have prior experience in a research setting. Strong practical experience with quantitative methods is essential, including statistical analysis of large datasets using tools such as RStudio. You should also understand how research involving anonymised electronic health records is conducted.

Applicants should be comfortable working as part of a team, communicating clearly with clinical and research colleagues, presenting findings to academic and professional audiences, and contributing to journal article writing.

Application notes

The role is funded for 10 months in the first instance. Informal discussions about the post are welcome. Candidates should provide a covering letter and CV, and the covering letter should explain how they meet the selection criteria and why they are interested in the role. Any extra documents not specifically requested will not be considered. Referee details must be included, including email addresses and phone numbers, and one referee must be the applicant's most recent line manager.

Applicants should quote reference SN50156 in all application materials and related correspondence. The closing date is 19 July 2026, and interviews are scheduled for 27 July 2026.

Additional information

The University states that it is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all parts of society. It also notes that employees must be eligible to live and work in the UK.