About this role
We are seeking a Research Fellow to contribute to an exciting research project funded by the Medical Research Foundation. The project aims to develop and psychosocial support for people living with and beyond head and neck cancer who experience body image distress following treatment.
The Research Associate will work within a team of experienced researchers and clinicians both within and outside of UWE Bristol, and will engage with external stakeholders, including clinicians, cancer support organisations, and patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) contributors. The role will involve supporting delivery of the research programme, including conducting systematic and scoping literature reviews, contributing to stakeholder engagement and co-production activities, and synthesising findings to support the co-production of a psychosocial intervention. The postholder will also contribute to reports, presentations, and academic publications.
This role will be based at the Centre for Appearance Research (CAR), the world’s largest research group focusing on the role of appearance and body image in people’s lives. As a thriving research centre with a national and international reputation as a centre of research excellence, CAR offers a stimulating environment for research and knowledge exchange, and is home to a thriving, experienced and internationally renowned group of researchers who are passionate about delivering authoritative and relevant research. CAR is one of UWE’s recognised centres of research excellence and has a broad portfolio of externally funded research projects, public engagement, and knowledge exchange activities. CAR also stages an international conference, ‘Appearance Matters’, every other year.
About you
Candidates should hold a Masters degree in health psychology, clinical psychology, or a related discipline. Registration for, or interest in registering for, a PhD or Professional Doctorate is desirable. You will have an interest in psycho-oncology, body image, and psychosocial aspects of cancer survivorship, and knowledge of psychosocial adjustment, wellbeing, and body image concerns in the context of cancer. You will have experience conducting literature reviews and experience working with clinical, academic, community, or third-sector stakeholders, including co-produced research approaches.
Desirable criteria include experience of working with people affected by head and neck cancer or other conditions associated with visible difference, and experience contributing to the development of psychosocial interventions. Experience working with patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) contributors would also be advantageous. Ideally, you will also have some experience contributing to academic publications and disseminating research findings.
Appropriate training will be discussed with the successful candidate, and regular supervisory support will be provided.
Where you will be working
UWE Bristol is a campus-based University, with vibrant campus communities that are central to student life.
In this role, you’ll be based at our modern Frenchay Campus where we’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities designed to help both staff and students succeed.
You’ll spend most of your time on campus with the opportunity to work from home on the remaining days.
Why UWE Bristol?
We are one of the largest providers of Higher Education in the South West with 38,000 students and 4,000 staff from right across the globe. Based in vibrant Bristol, our ambitions are to make a positive difference to our planet, transforming futures through actions and solving real world challenges.
We offer a wide range of employee benefits including progressive pay rates, very generous annual leave and career average pension schemes as well as retail savings, onsite nursery and opportunities for training and personal development.
Add your individuality to ours
UWE Bristol recognises the power of a truly diverse university community.
We’re part of a vibrant, multicultural city and welcome talented people from all backgrounds. Diversity is our strength, enhancing creativity, decision‑making, and problem‑solving. Join our supportive community and thrive.
We particularly encourage applications from global majority candidates as we are currently under-represented in this area, however all appointments are made strictly on individual merit.
As a Disability Confident employer, we encourage applications from disabled or neurodivergent candidates.
Further information
If you would like an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dr Helena Lewis-Smith at: [email protected]
This is a full-time, fixed-term post until August 2028, working 37 hours per week
This post is available on a job share basis for applicants wishing to work part time
Salary offers are made in line with the University’s salary assessment guidelines, reflecting your relevant skills and experience in parity with colleagues.
Right to Work in the UK
Relevant to posts involving leading and/or directing research at a strategic level. Applies to Associate Professor or Professor roles and selected SL and SRF posts where research leadership is a significant part of the role.
If offered a role, you will need to provide valid documentation confirming your right to work in the UK before employment begins. Guidance on acceptable documents is available via the Home Office Right to Work Checklist.
We may be able to endorse eligible candidates for a Global Talent Visa (Academic and Research route). You may also wish to explore other visa options which will allow you to work in the UK.
Please note that UWE Bristol does not cover any visa or health surcharge costs.
Next Steps
We’d love to hear from you - if this role excites you, please complete our application form as soon as possible and tell us how your skills and experience meet the criteria listed in the Person Specification, using clear and relevant examples wherever possible.
We’ll keep you informed of the outcome by email once shortlisting is complete.
