Research Associate; Gowen Autism study

Job overview

The aim of this project is to provide evidence for the need and acceptability of routine sensory motor assessments and treatment for autistic adults without Learning Disabilities and to identify and map appropriate intervention pathways.

In phase 1 of the study, autistic adults will be recruited from two diagnostic clinics in the Northwest. Participants will be offered a SMD assessment by an Occupational Therapist and will receive a report detailing findings including any support recommendations. All participants will be asked to return for a follow up visit to collect proof of concept and feasibility data on the assessment and report using a survey and open-ended questions.

This data will allow us to understand the need for assessment and intervention and obtain acceptability and feasibility data to design future studies.

In phase 2, a toolkit containing guidance on appropriate SMD assessments and intervention options will be developed through workshops and a survey involving research team members and stakeholders.

Experience of working with autistic adults and/or experience conducting research with autistic adults, experience of co-producing research with autistic people and experience of sensory motor research. Knowledge of the brain and cognitive underpinnings of sensory and motor difficulties in the autistic population would also be desirable.

• To assist with writing of funding applications for research
• To conduct and write systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses for publication and to inform future research and grant applications
• To contribute to the development/design of qualitative and quantitative studies with the members of the team
• To assist with the running of any pilot trials or research studies conducted within the team
• To liaise with relevant funding bodies, research support network (NIHR Research Design Service) and R&I departments of partner organisations
• To assist with the running of any focus groups or consultation groups with service users and/or other stakeholders to inform research
• To assist in servicing meetings, including production of agendas, writing of minutes and reports and taking follow-up action as required
• To support the Lead and team members on other relevant research/administrative activities as required
• To populate, maintain and manage relevant and accurate databases on a daily basis, ensuring they represent a comprehensive and accurate record of the ongoing research
• To work effectively under time-pressure in order to meet tight deadlines and project milestones
• To retrieve complex data from relevant quantitative databases and analyse research outcomes to produce summary reports on research activity for a variety of purposes
• To regularly liaise with the study collaborators and other stakeholders to identify and recruit eligible study participants
• To assist with the promotion of the research to stakeholders
• To contribute towards and write papers about the research in high profile reports and publications
• To help present information on research progress and outcomes to management groups
• To assist with the presentation of research findings at internal and external meetings, and conferences nationally and internationally
• To liaise with research colleagues and support administrative staff on routine matters
• To implement research policies / standard operating procedures for their own work area and to be able to propose improvements to research policies/procedures where relevant
• To assume responsibility for the safe and secure use of research equipment including digital recorders and computers where relevant
• To provide advice or demonstrate own research activities or workplace routines to new research staff or temporary researchers working on the project
• To contribute to the production of accurate information and timely submission of the Progress Reports to the relevant bodies (funders, the Trust)
• To organise their own day‑to‑day tasks and activities; the post holder must be able to take significant responsibility for planning and implementation of specific elements of the…