Research Fellow in Drug Education
| Posting date: | 06 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 23 January 2026 |
| Location: | Hendon, North West London |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | Middlesex University |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: | BAL39 |
Summary
Role Summary
The role will be held by a postdoctoral researcher capable of shaping and carrying through research projects or strands of major programmes. The researcher will support project management, assist with the design and piloting of research instruments, conduct both qualitative and quantitative data collection (interviews, focus groups and surveys), data analysis (quantitative and qualitative) writing up results, and participate in dissemination activities.
Job Purpose
To contribute to the NIHR funded study, A realist evaluation of drug education for 13-15 year olds in alternative education and deprived areas (REAL-DEP, Phase 3), by providing research and project support, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches, and to undertake data collection, analysis, writing up and dissemination to complete the project.
Main responsibilities
Research and knowledge transfer
Individually and with others, contribute to the research project through the design and piloting of research instruments (questionnaires, interview and focus group schedules), undertaking fieldwork by conducting interviews and focus groups and overseeing questionnaire completion, analysing both quantitative and qualitative data and writing up the results.
Maintaining oversight and managing the quantitative database.
Individually and with others, to play a key role in the writing and production of research reports, conference papers and peer-reviewed journal articles.
To attend research meetings and liaise as required with the programme delivery team.
Academic Leadership and Management
Liaise with project and programme partners internally and externally to support the delivery of the research project.
To be available to travel between recruitment sites within England and Scotland.
Undertake other activities, as required.
Leave: 35 days per annum plus eight Bank Holidays and seven University days taken at Christmas (pro rata for part-time staff) which may need to be taken as time off in lieu.
Fixed Term Contract
This temporary appointment is for the following allowable reason:
• To carry out a project which is being funded externally for 14 months.
If you are applying as an internal candidate to do the temporary post as a secondment please discuss this with your line manager first and read our Secondment Guidelines.
Flexibility: Please note that given the need for flexibility in order to meet the changing requirements of the University, the duties and location of this post and the role of the post-holder may be changed after consultation. The balance of duties may vary over time and will be reviewed as part of the appraisal process.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Post Title: Research Fellow in Drug Education
Essential requirements
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
A doctorate or equivalent in a relevant discipline
Understanding of both quantitative and qualitative research design and methodologies (including survey design - Survey Monkey, Excel)
Experience of using a variety of research methods (e.g. interviews, focus groups and surveys) and data analysis techniques (e.g. SPSS, NVIVO).
Flexibility to travel and carry out fieldwork in different locations within England and Scotland.
Ability to communicate effectively within a team and externally, in writing and orally.
Ability to produce high quality research reports/papers and other outputs within an academic environment.
Excellent planning and organisational skills
Ability to work under pressure and to deal with unforeseen issues
Provide administrative support with organising events and dissemination activities.
Demonstrate commitment to fairness and the principles of quality and inclusion.
Desirable requirements:
• Understanding of substance use education and prevention
• Experience of conducting research with young people, teachers and parents/carers
The role will be held by a postdoctoral researcher capable of shaping and carrying through research projects or strands of major programmes. The researcher will support project management, assist with the design and piloting of research instruments, conduct both qualitative and quantitative data collection (interviews, focus groups and surveys), data analysis (quantitative and qualitative) writing up results, and participate in dissemination activities.
Job Purpose
To contribute to the NIHR funded study, A realist evaluation of drug education for 13-15 year olds in alternative education and deprived areas (REAL-DEP, Phase 3), by providing research and project support, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches, and to undertake data collection, analysis, writing up and dissemination to complete the project.
Main responsibilities
Research and knowledge transfer
Individually and with others, contribute to the research project through the design and piloting of research instruments (questionnaires, interview and focus group schedules), undertaking fieldwork by conducting interviews and focus groups and overseeing questionnaire completion, analysing both quantitative and qualitative data and writing up the results.
Maintaining oversight and managing the quantitative database.
Individually and with others, to play a key role in the writing and production of research reports, conference papers and peer-reviewed journal articles.
To attend research meetings and liaise as required with the programme delivery team.
Academic Leadership and Management
Liaise with project and programme partners internally and externally to support the delivery of the research project.
To be available to travel between recruitment sites within England and Scotland.
Undertake other activities, as required.
Leave: 35 days per annum plus eight Bank Holidays and seven University days taken at Christmas (pro rata for part-time staff) which may need to be taken as time off in lieu.
Fixed Term Contract
This temporary appointment is for the following allowable reason:
• To carry out a project which is being funded externally for 14 months.
If you are applying as an internal candidate to do the temporary post as a secondment please discuss this with your line manager first and read our Secondment Guidelines.
Flexibility: Please note that given the need for flexibility in order to meet the changing requirements of the University, the duties and location of this post and the role of the post-holder may be changed after consultation. The balance of duties may vary over time and will be reviewed as part of the appraisal process.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Post Title: Research Fellow in Drug Education
Essential requirements
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
A doctorate or equivalent in a relevant discipline
Understanding of both quantitative and qualitative research design and methodologies (including survey design - Survey Monkey, Excel)
Experience of using a variety of research methods (e.g. interviews, focus groups and surveys) and data analysis techniques (e.g. SPSS, NVIVO).
Flexibility to travel and carry out fieldwork in different locations within England and Scotland.
Ability to communicate effectively within a team and externally, in writing and orally.
Ability to produce high quality research reports/papers and other outputs within an academic environment.
Excellent planning and organisational skills
Ability to work under pressure and to deal with unforeseen issues
Provide administrative support with organising events and dissemination activities.
Demonstrate commitment to fairness and the principles of quality and inclusion.
Desirable requirements:
• Understanding of substance use education and prevention
• Experience of conducting research with young people, teachers and parents/carers
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.