Job Description
Job title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Reports to:
Professor Mick Cooper
Department:
Psychology
Grade:
RU06
Main purpose of the job:
The post holder will work with Professor Mick Cooper and other members of the Centre for
Research in Social and psychological Transformation (CREST) on a range of counselling and
psychotherapy research projects; with a particular focus on purpose- and goal-oriented
processes in therapy, and the therapeutic relationship. The post holder will be expected to
undertake some coordinating duties for the research centre and the CREST counselling and
psychotherapy research clinic.
It is expected that the applicants will have research interests which complement the project and
will be able to assist the Principal Investigator flexibly, as required and independently where
necessary.
Main duties and responsibilities:
 contribute to, conduct, and (where appropriate) lead on research in collaboration with the PI
and members of CREST
 develop research protocols, research materials, and ethical/funding applications
 contribute to published output from CREST research projects
 coordinate activity at the CREST counselling and psychotherapy research clinic
 contribute to the administration, and development, of CREST (e.g., website development,
organize seminars)
 work collegiately with other colleagues to share ideas and contribute to the academic aims
and objectives of CREST, the department, and University as a whole
 support teaching and supervision, where required, for graduate students
 undertake any other appropriate duties as requested by the Principal Investigator or Head
of Department
Organisation chart:
Principal
Investigator
Postdoctoral
Research Associate
esearcher
Person Specification
The Person Specification focuses on the knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications
required to undertake the role effectively. Please ensure that your application demonstrates how
you meet the essential criteria. You will be assessed by your completed application form (A)
and at interview (I).
Requirements
Essential
Measured
by:
A
Education and
Qualifications

a PhD or professional doctorate in an
appropriate subject area: e.g. counselling,
psychotherapy, counselling psychology, clinical
psychology
Knowledge and skills

experience of undertaking
psychotherapy/counselling research
A, I,

knowledge of quantitative methods (e.g.,
experimental design, measure development,
statistical analysis)
A, I

knowledge of qualitative research methods
(e.g., interviewing, grounded theory)
A, I

an emerging record of research and publication
or other research outputs
A, I

experience of working with a range of people,
including academics as well as the ability to
work independently
A, I

experience of supporting collaborative research
that has resulted in published work of high
quality
A, I

experience of project
coordination/administration
A, I

experience of developing high quality research
materials (e.g., Participant Information Sheets)
A, I
Work experience
Communication skills
Other requirements
Desirable

excellent organisational, communication and
interpersonal skills
A, I
 evidence of disseminating complex material
both orally and in writing to a wide audience,
with a proven ability to express ideas and
disseminate findings effectively
A, I
 Capacity to deal sensitively, empathically and
ethically in complex and challenging
interpersonal situations
I

a willingness to undertake continuing
professional development and training as
appropriate
A, I

methodical approach to work with attention to
detail
A, I
In addition, the successful candidate may have:

experience of applying successfully for or
working with externally funded research
projects
A, I,

Qualification in a psychological therapy
A, I

the experience and/or potential to deliver or
contribute to impact of their research outside
academia
A, I

Knowledge of humanistic, pluralistic,
existential and/or relational psychological
approaches to counselling and
psychotherapy
A, I

the ability or potential to plan and deliver high
quality and supportive teaching and to foster
skills and confidence in a diverse range of
students at undergraduate and post-graduate
levels
A
Additional Information





Salary: £29,971 p.a.
The appointment is offered on a fixed term basis for 1 year from 1 October 2016, subject to
satisfactory references.
The annual leave entitlement is 30 days p.a., additionally there are 3 – 4 days when the
university closes for Christmas
There are no fixed hours of work and you are expected to give a full professional
commitment and work for such reasonable hours as are necessary for you to fulfil your
duties and responsibilities. You are expected to work flexibly to meet the needs of the
University and Department, including evenings and weekends as required, within the
context of the maximum working week as defined by the UK Working Time Regulations.
Set in a beautiful campus, the University has an attractive range of benefits and you can
find out more about them on our website.
Job description prepared by: Mick Cooper
Date: 18/08/16