Research Associate - using systems thinking to address inequalities in diet x2 (Fixed Term)
The MRC Epidemiology Unit seeks to appoint two post-doctoral Research Associates with experience in planning and delivering stakeholder workshops and analysing quantitative data to work on a randomised controlled trial of a group model building intervention to address inequalities in diet. Knowledge of systems thinking is essential; experience of group model building is highly desirable.
Based in the Unit's Population Health Interventions Programme, the primary role of these posts is to refine the intervention, develop the protocol, secure governance approvals, recruit local authority participants, deliver the intervention and lead all aspects of collection, analysis and reporting of quantitative outcome data.
We have co-developed a dietary-focused group model building intervention with public health teams that helps local stakeholders to collaborate to identify place-specific solutions to dietary inequalities. We have been awarded funding from UK Research & Innovation to refine and test this in a randomised controlled trial in English local authorities.
In the UK, people living in less affluent circumstances eat less healthy diets and suffer from more diet-related disease. These inequalities are due to complex processes at multiple levels meaning simply encouraging people to make healthier 'choices' is not enough. Wider approaches that change the context in which choices are made are required. This needs cross-sector collaboration.
Systems thinking is one way to approach complex problems like dietary inequalities. Group model building is a structured approach that uses systems thinking to achieve a shared understanding of a problem and identify potential solutions and can support cross-sector collaboration. It is not yet known if group model building changes what solutions are ultimately delivered. Our trial will assess this. The intervention involves a full day, in person, group model building workshop with around 15 local stakeholders, plus online meetings with key contacts before and after the workshop.
The successful applicants will work together to develop a detailed protocol. They will then pilot intervention delivery and data collection and refine the protocol. Next, they will work with our study co-ordination team to secure governance approvals. They will then recruit around 60 English local authorities and deliver the intervention in around 30. Finally, they will collect outcome data at the local authority and participant level using surveys and interviews and analyse this.
The successful applicants will have PhDs in Population Health Sciences or another relevant subject or be due to complete within three months of applying. They will have proven skills and experience in planning and leading stakeholder workshops, collecting and analysing simple quantitative data and a clear interest in public health approaches to supporting healthy diets and reducing dietary inequalities. They will have demonstrable knowledge and understanding of systems thinking and complexity. Experience of group model building and causal loop diagramming is highly desirable.
Alongside a competitive salary, University staff are eligible for a comprehensive package of benefits including discounts on shopping, health care, financial services and public transport. We also offer defined benefits pension schemes and tax-efficient bicycle, car lease and charity-giving schemes.
The MRC Epidemiology Unit is a department within the University of Cambridge's School of Clinical Medicine and is situated on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. Its mission is to study the genetic, developmental and environmental factors that cause obesity, diabetes and related metabolic disorders and develop strategies for their prevention. Highly experienced information teams and other specialist teams support the scientists in the delivery of their research aims.
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These are fixed-term positions for 36 months, ideally starting in July 2025.
These roles can be performed entirely on-site or as hybrid positions. The successful candidates will have to travel to local authorities across England for intervention delivery.
Please contact Jean Adams (jma79@medschl.cam.ac.uk) for informal enquiries.
Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.
Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £34,132) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.
Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
Closing date: 4th May 2025
Interview date: 23rd May 2025
Please quote reference SJ45598 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.