Job Description

About us

Applications are invited for an exciting opportunity to join the Department for Behavioural Science and Health (BSH) at University College London. We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated individual with experience in quantitative research. The aim of the post is to undertake statistical analyses of cohort studies from multiple different countries including the UK and US as well as across Europe, Asia and other continents. The purpose of these analyses is to understand more at a global level about rates and patterns of social, cultural and community engagement and the relationship between these behaviours and both mental and physical health outcomes. BSH is dedicated to research on how human behaviour impacts health and health outcomes. Specifically, the position will be within Professor Daisy Fancourt\'s Social Biobehavioural Research Group, which focuses on the impact of social factors on health. This includes social deficits (e.g., loneliness, isolation, and COVID-19 lockdowns) and social assets (e.g., social connections, cultural and community engagement, nature engagement and social prescribing). The team explores (i) the effects of social factors on health outcomes, (ii) the psychological, biological, social & behavioural mechanisms underlying these effects, (iii) the modifying role of micro-, meso- and macro-level factors on effects, and (iv) differential patterns, barriers, and enablers of social behaviours amongst different groups. The team involves over 20 postdoctoral researchers, coordinators and PhD students and works in partnership with over 400 community and third sector organisations, several government departments, NHS England and Public Health England, the World Health Organisation, UK Arts Councils, leading health charities, and patient and public groups.

About the role

The post-holder will support the team\'s work using international cohort studies to understand the relationship between social, cultural and community engagement and health outcomes. Specifically, the aim of this work is to (i) compare rates of social, cultural and community engagement in different countries, (ii) explore individual and societal socio-demographic predictors of such engagement, (iii) map trajectories of change in rates and patterns of engagement, and (iv) explore how such engagement is related to diverse health outcomes. Day-to-day, the post-holder will be responsible for (i) identifying and gaining access to multiple different cohort studies worldwide, (ii) supporting on building relationships with those leading such cohort studies and other researchers involved in the analysis of data, (iii) undertaking statistical analyses of the data and writing papers, and (iv) engaging in other teaching and training activities. Position available from 2nd Oct 2023 to 30th Sept 2025 in the first instance.

About you

You will have excellent data management and statistical analysis skills, as well as good interpersonal, communication and organisation skills with the ability to prioritise under pressure to meet deadlines. You will also need experience working with cohort studies and carrying out high quality original research. An interest in social, cultural and/or community engagement and health outcomes is desirable. Your application form and personal statement should address all the person specification points and should clearly demonstrate how your skills and experience meet each of the criteria.

The advert will close on 24 August 2023 at 23:59 GMT, however we may close applications early if we receive a high volume of applications. Early application submission is recommended.

If you have any queries about the role, please contact Dr Hei Wan (Karen) Mak at .

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