Vacancy for a Research Assistant – Medical Writer
The Research Assistant – Medical Writer will support high-quality writing activities at YHEC. This will include a broad range of medical communications projects and will involve the writing/editing of sections of project reports, journal articles, slide decks and digital media. You will be contributing to a variety of client projects and non-chargeable tasks across all YHEC sectors.

Main responsibilities of a Research Assistant

• Provide support for a range of written deliverables, such as technical reports, protocols and slide decks (e.g. undertaking background research, drafting specific sections, formatting and referencing)
• Review slide decks and develop graphics to improve visual communication
• Support with preparing, formatting and submitting manuscripts to peer-review journals and developing conference deliverables (e.g. abstracts and posters)
• Provide administrative support in qualitative research projects, including recruitment tasks, coordination with stakeholders, and organisation of interviews / workshops
• Contribute to preparing research proposals (e.g. gathering literature, drafting / collating standard sections of proposals, formatting)
• Work with in-house technical staff (e.g. health economists and systematic reviewers) as well as external associates on projects
• Liaise with colleagues, clients and co-authors in person and via email / videoconference
• Conform to house styles and processes (including project tracking and timekeeping)
• Contribute to marketing at YHEC (e.g. writing blogs, drafting and posting LinkedIn posts, and updating sections of the website)
• Prepare meeting agendas, minutes and related project correspondence

Personal Specification

• Educated to degree level (in a scientific discipline or English language / linguistics)
• Good educational background (including English and Mathematics GCSE grade B or equivalent)
• Excellent writing and editing skills as well as high attention to detail
• Experience in different types of scientific/academic writing (e.g. preparing reports, slide decks, posters) and undertaking research projects
• Skilled with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and EndNote (or other referencing software)
• Experience using Excel and Canva (or other software for creating figures/graphics) is desirable
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Ability to work as part of a team and on own initiative with a high degree of self-motivation and proactivity
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and use tact and discretion
• Willingness to engage in professional development

Salary and benefits
The starting salary will be from £28,408 subject to qualifications and experience. Membership of a defined contribution or defined benefit pension scheme is available subject to eligibility criteria being satisfied.
We have a generous annual leave allowance of 30 days per year, plus bank holiday.

How to apply
The closing date for applications is Sunday 29 November 2026 at 5pm. To apply, please complete the Online Application Form. Screening interviews are anticipated on Wednesday 09 December 2026, with full interviews on Tuesday 15 / Wednesday 16 December 2026 (both via zoom). Short-listed candidates will also be asked to undertake a job-specific test as part of the interview process.

Working at YHEC
Our location means that staff have full access to the range of facilities offered by the University of York. Staff appointments are permanent and subject to regular review of performance, with a trial period of six months. Applications for part time will be considered and please note your preference in your application. This post is covered by The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Please confirm on the application form that you have the required permissions to work in the UK. Applications without this confirmation will not be eligible for consideration.