Postdoctoral Researcher in Health Psychology
Project: Adherence and uptake of hormonal and long acting reversible
contraceptives in Ireland: Barriers and facilitators
National University of Ireland, Galway
Ref. No. NUIG 128-13
The National University of Ireland, Galway is seeking to fill a full-time, fixed term
Postdoctoral Researcher in Health Psychology position for the project ‘Adherence
and uptake of hormonal and long acting reversible contraceptives in Ireland: Barriers
and facilitators’. The position is funded by the Crisis Pregnancy Programme award
administered by the Irish Research Council, under the Research Projects Grants
Scheme, 2013. The post is available from March 1st, 2014 until March 1st, 2015.
The post-doctoral researcher will be based at the School of Psychology, and support
the work of Dr. Gerry Molloy (Principle Investigator).
The School of Psychology has built a reputation for teaching and research
excellence with approximately 1000 students enrolled on undergraduate degrees and
higher diploma Programmes. MSc programmes are provided in health psychology
and applied behavioural analysis The School offers a range of structured PhD
programmes and a Doctor of Psychological Science in Clinical Psychology and
currently hosts a significant community of doctoral students.
In the proposed work we aim to answer two important questions about the Oral
Contraceptive Pill (OCP) and Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs). First,
what are the determinants of OCP use and adherence to the OCP in Irish women?
Second, what are the determinants of LARCS uptake in Irish women? We will
answer these questions by conducting two studies. A secondary analysis of the
recent Irish Contraception and Crisis Pregnancy study 2010 of over 3,000 people in
Ireland will be conducted to identify factors associated with pill use and use of
LARCs. In a second study qualitative interviews with GPs, pharmacists and of
contraceptive users will be conducted to get their views on uptake and adherence to
the OCP and on uptake of LARCs. A research fellow with expertise in qualitative
methodology is being sought to conduct study 2.
Job Description
The post-doctoral researcher will be involved in all aspects of the project, working
alongside Dr. Molloy. The successful applicant will join the School of Psychology at a
time of growth and when a large number of externally funded post-doctoral
researchers are also due to join the School.
In particular the work includes the following duties:
a) Designing and conducting qualitative interviews with contraceptive users,
general practitioners and pharmacists.
b) Analysis of this qualitative data
c) Report writing and writing for publication.
d) Organising a one day seminar at the end of the project.
e) Identifying future funding opportunities.
Qualifications
Suitable candidates must meet the following criteria:
 PhD in Psychology with experience of using qualitative methods
 Evidence of excellent report-writing skills
 Ability to work independently and collaboratively
 Highly motivated, with excellent organisational skills
It is also desirable that suitable candidates would have experience in some or all of
the following areas




Health Psychology
Health Services Research
Research on topics relevant to contraception use
Peer-reviewed publication record
The holder of the post will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Gerry Molloy,
Principal Investigator of this project.
Salary: €31,275 per annum
Start date: 1st March 2014 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research
at NUI Galway
For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie
Further informal enquiries concerning this position may be made by contacting Dr
Gerry Molloy, gerry.molloy@nuigalway.ie (Tel: 00353 (0) 91 495123)
To Apply:
Applications to include a covering letter, CV, and the contact details of three referees
should be sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to Gerry Molloy at
gerry.molloy@nuigalway.ie
Please put reference number NUIG 128-13 in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00pm, 27thth January 2014
It is anticipated that interviews will be held on the morning of Friday 21st of
February 2014
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.