Research Assistant 2025

York St John is an ambitious, modern university at the heart of historic York and there has never been a more exciting time to join us.

As one of the fastest growing universities in the U.K over recent years, we have a new strategy for the next decade, emphasising our commitment to widening opportunity through the power of education and contributing our talents to creating a fairer world, and a more prosperous region. We are putting inspirational learning and impactful research at the heart of this strategy, recognising our academic expertise as our greatest asset.

The Institute

Launched in 2023, the Institute for Health and Care Improvement brings together academics from across the University to find solutions for the pressing issues facing health and social care today. We aim to influence decision-makers with evidence and research to inspire change as we navigate the health challenges of the modern world.

The role

The research assistant will contribute to a project exploring the experiences of disordered eating in some marginalised communities, with a focus on sexual orientation, gender, (dis)ability, and neurodivergence. We will take a coproduced, mixed methods approach to gathering preliminary data in this field. The research assistant will contribute to all stages of the project including design, data collection, working with community partners, analysis, and dissemination. The research assistant will work with us for 9 months at 0.3FTE.

Required skills and experience

• Good first degree or equivalent in an associated discipline
• Knowledge and experience of using qualitative and quantitative research methods appropriate to the project
• A passion for coproduced, applied health research

Additional information

It is anticipated that the selection process will include a presentation and an interview. We are keen to hear from those with lived experience and can adapt the interview process based on your needs. Further details will be provided if you are shortlisted for interview. Questions should be directed to Dr Ruth Knight (r.knight1@yorksj.ac.uk)

Unfortunately, this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship however we welcome your application if you are able to evidence right to work in the UK via an alternative route.

We offer a range of family friendly and inclusive policies and facilities to support staff from different backgrounds. As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive working environment, consideration is given to all requests for job share or flexible working arrangements.

Application process support

We are keen to support you throughout the recruitment process. Before starting your application please refer to the attached candidate guidance which provides advice about completing the application process.

If you require a reasonable adjustment in order to apply for this position please contact vacancies@yorksj.ac.uk. Within the application form there is an opportunity for you to request a reasonable adjustment at the interview stage of the process, however if you wish to discuss this in further detail at any point in the process please do not hesitate to contact us. The following resource may help you adapt the device you are using to apply to suit your needs My Computer My Way (abilitynet.org.uk)

Please note that CVs are not accepted in place of the application form. Within the application process you will be asked to answer a selection of work-related questions. Our aim is to get to know you, and understand your individual skills and experience, and how you would apply these within the role. We are aware that AI can assist you with this, but we would prefer you to share your answers in your own words.

Our benefits package

We offer a wide range of employee benefits including 

• Excellent annual leave entitlement, including five discretionary university closure days over the Christmas period
• Disability leave (applies to staff who have disclosed a disability and is also available to staff with disabled dependants)
• Pension scheme
• Health Cash Plan after six months service
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Paid leave for Armed Forces Reservists
• On-campus courses, one-to-one tutorials, and online resources to help you develop your digital skills and work with new software
• Relocation expenses package for certain roles
• Reimbursement of Skilled Worker Visa application fees and Visa loan scheme for additional costs (if applicable to the role)