Postdoctoral Research Associate

***INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY***

About the Role
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate with a PHD to join Bone & Joint Health at the Blizard Institute, QMUL, contributing to projects on childhood-onset neurological conditions. This role will explore the experiences of children and families affected by conditions like multiple sclerosis and movement disorders, including Cerebral Palsy. The successful candidate will work on:

• ‘Addressing Critical Gaps in Childhood-Onset Hyperkinetic Movement Disorders’, led by Dr. Gimeno.
• ‘Digesting Science’, a national initiative educating children about multiple sclerosis, led by Dr. Thomson.

Key responsibilities include shaping research questions, recruitment strategies, qualitative research, data analysis, and public engagement. The role focuses on improving patient experiences, identifying health communication needs, and supporting engagement initiatives.

This position offers an opportunity to impact health outcomes for individuals with chronic conditions. The postholder will be encouraged to contribute to publications and develop their research profile.

About You

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong qualitative research skills, including data collection and analysis.
• Experience working with children, families, and/or individuals with long-term health conditions.
• Ability to develop engagement strategies and contribute to public science communication.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

It is desirable if candidates have a background in anthropology, sociology, psychology, or arts therapy, with an interest in creative methodologies, child health, and knowledge production.

This role is ideal for a researcher looking to grow within a supportive academic environment at Queen Mary University of London.

About the Institute

The Blizard Institute was established in 2003 and is one of six Institutes within the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL. The Institute comprises approximately 360 staff based in four academic Centers and one Public Engagement Centre and supports a combined total of c700 postgraduate research and taught students. The Institute aims to deliver excellence in all aspects of research, teaching and clinical service.

About Queen Mary

At Queen Mary University of London, we believe that a diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.

Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve and the intellectual brilliance it delivers.

We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries, access to a generous pension scheme, 30 days’ leave per annum (pro-rata for part-time/fixed-term), a season ticket loan scheme and access to a comprehensive range of personal and professional development opportunities. In addition, we offer a range of work life balance and family friendly, inclusive employment policies, campus facilities and flexible working arrangements. The post on offer is for a 12 month fixed term period.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our appointments processes. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of the recruitment process for any candidate with a disability. We are open to considering applications from candidates wishing to work flexibly.