Research Associate (5 year, half-time contract)
Health Behaviour Change Research Group
School of Psychology
National University of Ireland, Galway
Ref. No. NUIG 21-14
Dr Molly Byrne, Health Research Board Research Leader, is seeking to recruit a half-time
Research Associate, for a five-year contract. The Research Associate will manage and coordinate the day-to-day development of the 5 year programme of research of the Health
Behaviour Change Research Group at the School of Psychology in NUI Galway under the
supervision of Dr Byrne.
THE HEALTH BEHAVIOUR CHANGE RESEARCH GROUP (HBCRG)
This innovative research group will build and conduct a programme of research focusing on the
development and evaluation of behavioural interventions to improve health outcomes in the areas
of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and primary care.
The objectives of the HBCRG are to:
(1) Establish key health behavioural research priority areas in Ireland (focusing initially on
diabetes, cardiovascular disease and primary care).
(2) Synthesize findings from existing research in identified behavioural priorities, drawing out
details of intervention component techniques and describing likely mechanisms by which
effects are achieved.
(3) Develop, pilot and evaluate complex behavioural interventions to address selected
behavioural priorities, using evidence based behavioural theory.
(4) Implement evidence-based guidelines into practice, through developing and applying a
theoretical understanding of the processes involved in changing healthcare professionals’
behaviour.
(5) Develop and strengthen education programmes on behaviour change theory and intervention
methodologies for doctoral and post doctoral researchers.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Research Associate will provide research support to Dr Byrne and assist her in meeting the
goals of the HBCRG. S/He will manage and co-ordinate the day-to-day development of projects
under the supervision of Dr Byrne. S/He will work closely with Dr Byrne to identify and pursue
strategic opportunities to develop and support the research programme of the HBCRG. S/He will
play a lead role in promoting the research agenda and profile of the HBCRG.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
This will involve:
 Providing core research support (e.g. conducting studies using quantitative methods,
systematic literature reviewing)
 Undertaking field data collection (e.g. conducting surveys) and undertaking data analyses
 Working with relevant stakeholders including HSE staff, patient groups, and external
collaborators as appropriate
 Writing publications for peer reviewed journals
 Presenting at national and international conferences
 Participating in team meetings
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Contributing to the development of grant applications, including supporting the writing of bids
for research grants
Contributing to and coordinating preparation of research reports for funders and other bodies
May be involved in organisation and delivery of training programmes on behaviour change
theory and intervention methodologies within the HBCRG
Assist in other reasonable research-related tasks as requested by Dr Byrne or that may be
agreed with the grant-holders
QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE
Suitable candidates must meet the following criteria:
 First degree in Psychology, or related discipline
 Post-graduate degree (at least MSc level), preferably in Health Psychology or a related
discipline
 Experience of conducting research studies
 Ability to demonstrate research project management skills and a track record of delivering on
objectives.
 Ability to demonstrate strong research, analytical and writing skills, including accessing
information quickly and strategically
 Excellent communication skills, in particular, report writing and presentation skills
 Attention to detail and strong organisational skills
 Excellent interpersonal and networking skills
 Evidence of the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small, dynamic team
 Ability to prioritise workload, manage time and meet tight deadlines
The following criteria are desirable:
 Knowledge of developments in relation to health-related behaviour change
 Experience of presenting at academic meetings and/or publishing in peer reviewed journals
 Experience of applying for research funding
The holder of the post will work under the direct supervision of Dr Molly Byrne, Principal
Investigator of this project.
Salary: €43,643 pro-rata per annum (public sector pay policy rules pertaining to new entrants will
apply) Employment permit restrictions apply for this category of post.
Start date: 26th May 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 Molly Byrne,
molly.byrne@nuigalway.ie, telephone + 353 (0)91 495182.
To Apply: Applications to include a covering letter, CV, and the contact details of three referees
should be sent, via e-mail (in Micosoft Word or PDF format only) to Molly Byrne at
molly.byrne@nuigalway.ie. Please put NUIG 21-14 in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00pm, 19TH March 2014.
Proposed date for interviews: 29th April 2014.
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.