Research Assistant in Persistent Low Back Pain

Part-time hours, fixed-term contract for 12 months

London or Bournemouth Campus (with the opportunity for hybrid/remote working)

Health Sciences University is a specialist, multi campus health sciences institution operating at the intersection of education, applied research, and clinical practice. Its integrated model brings together academic expertise and multiprofessional clinical delivery within a single ecosystem, positioning the university as a strategic contributor to national and international health workforce development. Working within active clinical environments ensures that research outputs are grounded in operational reality, supporting evidence-informed decision making for policymakers, system leaders, and health service providers.

About the role

Health Sciences University is recruiting a part-time Research Assistant to work on A Touch of Acknowledgement: A Realist Review of Validating Touch in Persistent Low Back Pain (NIHR209944). The project is funded by the NIHR Research for Patient Benefit programme. The post is 0.4 FTE (14.5 hours a week), fixed term for 12 months from the start date.

The role would suit someone looking to develop their research skills, including those with experience in pain management, rehabilitation or psychology who are applying for their first research post.

You will work with Dr Danny Miller, Chief Investigator, and the wider research team. Professor Tamar Pincus brings expertise in health psychology, persistent pain and communication between practitioners and patients. Professor Steven Vogel’s expertise is in osteopathy and musculoskeletal research. Professor Lisa Roberts is a consultant physiotherapist with expertise in therapeutic communication. Dr Cathy Price is a consultant in pain medicine, and Ian Taverner leads patient and public involvement.

Your work will include:

• searching the research literature
• screening search results and appraising relevant studies
• extracting data from the included studies
• managing data and keeping accurate records of the review
• helping to coordinate the project

Dr Miller will be your line manager, with additional supervision and support from the research team. You will receive training in realist methodology and review management software. Realist reviews examine how and why something works, for whom and in what circumstances. Working on the review and discussing findings with the team will give you practical experience of assessing research evidence and considering what it means for people living with persistent pain.

About the person

We welcome applicants with relevant academic knowledge or experience gained through work. You should be interested in people’s experiences of pain, comfortable working carefully with written information and willing to learn new research methods.

Essential:

• A first degree or equivalent, current study towards a degree or equivalent work experience.
• Knowledge of psychology, rehabilitation, musculoskeletal health or pain management.
• A basic understanding of how research literature is found, assessed and reviewed, with an interest in developing these skills.
• Good writing, communication and organisational skills.
• A careful approach to handling information and keeping accurate records.
• The ability to work independently, seek support when needed and meet agreed deadlines.

Desirable:

• A postgraduate degree or equivalent, or equivalent work experience.
• Experience of literature searching, study screening, data extraction or critical appraisal.
• Experience of research and reference management software.
• Experience of quantitative or qualitative research.
• An understanding of realist reviews.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum & Nationality Act 2006.

Benefits:

• Competitive Employer's Pension
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Enhanced policies
• Subsidised clinical treatments
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme plus many more benefits

For an informal discussion, please contact Danny Miller on Danny.Miller@hsu.ac.uk

To apply, please view the job description and person specification here and then click the ‘Apply’ button above to complete an online application form. Completed application forms should be submitted by midnight on the closing date. Please note that CVs will not be considered as a substitute for a complete application form.

Closing date: 23rd October 2026.

Interviews: TBC.

We value diversity and inclusion at HSU and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are a committed to having a diverse and inclusive culture which offers equality and opportunity for all. We operate Disability Confident and Mindful Employer schemes and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview scheme for applicants who are serving or who have served in the Armed Forces.

£25,977 pro rata