Job Description

This is an exciting opportunity for someone to contribute to a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funded Randomised Controlled Trial in the area of managing drug dependence. The trial is being led by Professor Catriona Matheson at the Centre for Healthcare and Community Research (CHeCR) at the University of Stirling, in close collaboration with The Centre for Healthcare Randomised Trials (CHaRT), University of Aberdeen. This project aims to reduce the use of high-risk street benzodiazepines, which contribute to drug related deaths in people who are also enrolled in Opiate Agonist Treatment (OAT) e.g. methadone. The trial includes at least six sites across Scotland and England with a built-in pilot study, process evaluation and toxicology surveillance study. The research assistant will work closely with the trials senior researcher across the needs of the study, with a particular focus on the toxicology study including drug surveillance and scanning and supporting project meetings. They will also contribute to literature reviewing, quantitative data analysis, ongoing communication, report writing and dissemination of outputs. This is a rare opportunity to join an excellent multidisciplinary team from across the UK. Details on the trial team can be found here:
There may be potential to undertake a PhD study linked to the project. The post holder will be expected to work from the University campus at least two days per week.
Informal enquiries to: Dr Karen Berry
Description of Duties

• Undertake surveillance of data sources around new xe2x80x98street benzodiazepines
• Liaise with external organisations to identify emerging new xe2x80x98street benzodiazepines that emerge in the UK market over the course of the trial including Public Health Scotland (RADAR), The Specialist Police harm surveillance team, and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA)
• Review monthly testing results from specialist toxicology lab
• Scanning the academic literature for other relevant research
• Supporting project meetings
• Conducting quantitative analyses
• Participate in writing and disseminating outputs
• Support the Chief Investigator with communications

Essential Criteria
Qualifications:

• First, or upper second class, degree in Pharmacology/ Public Health/Pharmacy/Biomedical Science/ Health sciences or other relevant subject area, or relevant experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• Understanding of pharmacology
• Competence in use of quantitative software including Excel and at least one statistical package
• Experience of reviewing academic literature
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Ability to communicate effectively in a polite and diplomatic manner with people at all levels and from a variety of backgrounds
• Ability to work independently and manage time appropriately
• Ability to keep organised records and follow specified research processes
• Understand ethical principles of good clinical practice in research and the importance of adhering to General Data Protection Regulation

Desirable Criteria
Qualifications:

• Masters degree or equivalent in public health, health sciences, pharmacology or other biological sciences

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Strong desire to work in health services research and/or clinical trials
• Quantitative analysis experience
• Experience of report writing
• Partnership / multi-disciplinary working

Additional Information
Part time (50%FTE)
Fixed term for 42 months
Grade 6: 330,805 - 337,174 p.a. pro-rata
The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 29 June 2025.
Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 09 July 2025.
There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.
This role may require membership of the PVG scheme. An offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory outcome of this process if required.
This role is not eligible for sponsorship. Applicants require to have existing right to work in the UK.
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 Centre for Healthcare and Community Research (CHeCR)
The Centre for Healthcare and Community Research is an inter-disciplinary research centre within the Faculty of Heath Sciences and Sport. CHeCR conducts high-quality impactful research into a wide range of health and methodological-related topics to support health professionals and others to deliver the best care; influence policy, develop research methods and provide the NHS and other providers both nationally and internationally, with practical interventions to impact on health and social care.
Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport
The Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport is at the heart of the Universitys sporting and wellbeing life, offering extensive study and research opportunities. Our focus is to make a difference to communities and the people within them, across the world. We focus on delivering excellence in all we do and to make global impact through research, education and practice. We inform policy at national and international levels by ensuring our research and teaching has impact. Our students develop to become competitive, independent, confident learners and our skilled graduates are global citizens, capable of making a difference wherever they work. We value lifelong learning and education, research-led teaching and an excellent student experience. We aim to make a real difference to the global health and sport industries.
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 Scotlands 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 3214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal which will deliver three major University-led projects: the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub, Scotlands International Environment Centre, and the Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.