Job Description

The Post

Psychology, Faculty of Natural Sciences is offering a part-time (0.8FTE/4 days a week), fixed-term Research Fellow position to work with Associate Professor Line Caes on the Nuffield Foundation - Oliver Bird Fund -funded project "Challenges young people face in managing musculoskeletal chronic pain"



The project aims to improve understanding of the self-management challenges experienced by vulnerable young people (aged 12 - 24 years of age) living with musculoskeletal chronic pain by


Identifying exactly what it is that young people with musculoskeletal chronic pain need to do to effectively self-manage their pain, Co-developing a tool to accurately measure how well young people can complete different self-management tasks, Testing how executive functioning develops differently in young people with and without musculoskeletal chronic pain, and Identifying how differences in executive functioning, socio-economic status, and parental support influence young people's ability to complete self-management tasks.

In collaboration with Associate Professor Line Caes and the wider project team, the successful candidate will meet the aims of the project by employing a variety of mixed-methods approaches. Methods include: (1) conducting interviews with young people with MCP and clinicians, (2) hosting co-development workshops with young people with musculoskeletal chronic pain, parents, clinicians and charity representatives; (iii) analysing existing cohort data and (iv) gathering new longitudinal data in young people with and without musculoskeletal chronic pain. The successful candidate will also work with closely together with young people with musculoskeletal chronic pain and clinical experts at all stages of the project.



The post holder will join the Health Psychology Research Group https://www.stir.ac.uk/about/faculties/natural-sciences/our-research/research-groups/health-psychology-research-group



Suitable applicants could also apply for the Accredited Stage 2 Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology at the University of Stirling whilst working in this post. This is a 3-year FT/4-year PT programme. See https://www.stir.ac.uk/courses/pg-taught/professional-doctorate-health-psychology/ for additional information. Enquiries about the Professional Doctorate can be made over email to Lesley McGregor: l.m.mcgregor@stir.ac.uk or Vivien Swanson: vivien.swanson@stir.ac.uk.



Informal enquiries about this post can be made to Associate Professor Line Caes, email: line.caes@stir.ac.uk

Description of Duties

The successful applicant will work with the PI (Associate Professor Line Caes) and will be responsible for running the day-to-day aspects of the project. Principally, this will involve:


Project coordination Literature review Coordinating and regular communication with the project advisory group (PAG), consisting of young people with MCP, parents, clinicians, and charity representatives Conducting interviews with clinicians Support young people partners in conducting interviews with young people Analysing interview data Organisation and facilitation of co-development workshops with young people with MCP, parents, clinicians, and charity representatives Conducting think aloud studies and facilitated discussions with young people and clinicians Collection, transcription, integration and analysis of user feedback Collect new, quantitative data (at 2 timepoints, 1 year apart from each other) using surveys and neuropsychological tasks Data entry and cleaning Statistical Data analysis of existing cohort data and newly collected longitudinal data Producing interim reports for research team meetings Attending research team meetings Having regular meetings with the PI (Line Caes) to track progress, resolve any theoretical, analytical issues and discuss dissemination strategies Write up findings in peer-review articles Disseminate findings at academic conferences

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

A PhD/Doctoral level qualification in Health Psychology/behavioural science or equivalent

OR Stage 1 Masters degree in Health Psychology (at Merit grade or above) PLUS significant practical experience in a health psychology/ behavioural science setting (e.g., This position is suitable for a individuals interested to pursue the Accredited Stage 2 Professional Doctorate in Health Psychology at the University of Stirling whilst working in this post)

ORa PhD/doctoral level qualification in another health relevant field PLUS significant practical experience /knowledge of behavioural science

Research

Evidence of being able to conduct empirical research/enquiry independently Evidence of research experience, in both quantitative and qualitative study designs and analyses techniques Evidence of being able to draft papers for publication and report-writing Experience in effectively involving and engaging patients and the public within research projects

Skills, Attitude, & Behaviour

Evidence of good administrative and project management skills Evidence of good communication skills, e.g., proven ability to establish rapport and interact professionally and effectively with a range of colleagues and stakeholders (e.g. young people, health professionals, academics) Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills Evidence of self-motivation and the ability to work independently Time management skills including ability to prioritise workload Trustworthy and reliable Willingness to do some limited travel to run co-development workshops, attend team meetings and dissemination IT and computing skills

Desirable Criteria

Experience in recruiting hard to reach samples (e.g., people from lower socio-economical backgrounds) Experience in measure development Experience in drafting papers for publication and report-writing Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary research team

Additional Information

Part time (80%FTE)

Fixed term for 46 months



Grade 7: 38,249 - 45,413

p.a. pro-rata

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 13 July 2025.

Interviews are expected to take place week commencing Monday 28 July 2025.



There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.


This role will require membership of the PVG scheme. An offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory outcome of this process.



For the purposes of sponsorship, this role may be eligible depending on candidate circumstances and is a postdoctoral role under SOC code 2119.



The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

Managing self and personal skills

Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

Delivering excellent service

Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

Finding solutions

Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Embracing change

Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

Using resources effectively

Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

Engaging with the wider context

Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

Developing self and others

Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

Working together

Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Achieving Results

Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

About Us

The Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology, and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored, and tested. The most recent national assessment of research - REF2021 -confirmed that 80% of our research is classed as world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union, and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Substantial investment aligned with the City, Region, and Growth deals is supporting major new infrastructure developments linked to the Faculty including Scotland's International Environment Centre and the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub.

Psychology

Stirling Psychology delivers world class scientific research, coupled with innovative and reflective research-led teaching. In REF2021, we were rated 2nd in Scotland for research impact. We aim to foster basic research in the science of mind and behaviour, linked to direct impacts for society. Our research strategy focuses on the development of inter-disciplinary multi-methods approaches and our academics work collaboratively across three research themes: Cognition in Complex Environments; Behaviour & Evolution; and Health and Behaviour Change. A common thread across our research projects is a desire to develop theoretical understanding of behaviour in complex real-world settings. Psychology has invested heavily in research infrastructure, including our own Kindergarten. Purpose built laboratories provide support for health, human electrophysiology, face and vision research, mobile technology, virtual/augmented reality, and recent investment in a Lifespan Laboratory facilitate developmental and comparative research.

The University

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.



The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,800 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long-standing designation as Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence.



We were shortlisted for University of the Year 2024 at the Times Higher Education Awards and are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and are ranked top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching and learning (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024). In recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.



Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 100 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).



Alongside partners, the University spearheads the 214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal - which will deliver three major University-led projects: the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub, Scotland's International Environment Centre, and the Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

www.stir.ac.uk

Job Reference: FAC02047