Clinical Research Associate in the Department of Psychosis Studies

9 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

KINGS COLLEGE LONDON

Research Field

Other

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)
Established Researcher (R3)

Country

United Kingdom

Application Deadline

5 Feb 2024 - 00:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Other

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to gain and develop clinical research skills. The successful candidate will play a key role in innovative clinical studies investigating better ways to treat schizophrenia with the potential to change clinical practice.  

They will be based at the Institute of Psychiatry, one of the leading clinical research centres in the world, and the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. The post also involves some travel to other sites in London.

The main study involves testing whether the early use of clozapine improves outcomes compared to current practice. The post holder has the opportunity to get involved in all aspects of the study, including subject recruitment and collection of clinical and other data in patients.

They will also have opportunities to develop their research interests within the projects; for example to test the mechanism of action of clozapine using state-of-the-art neuroimaging techniques. Training in research methods will be provided, and the post-holder will develop skills in using gold-standard diagnostic and clinical ratings, which will provide a strong foundation for future research and clinical practice. They will also gain unique experience in the assessment and management of antipsychotic resistant schizophrenia. 

The postholder will have the opportunity to undertake clinical sessions. These can count towards clinical training for eligible trainees. They will also work closely with other research staff in the project and foster effective collaborative working relationships with the local early intervention services for psychosis.

This post will be offered on a full-time, fixed term contract for one year. There is some flexibility in start date.

Key responsibilities

The successful applicant will contribute to the successful conduct and completion of the research projects.

Your primary duties will be: 

• To contribute to the identification, recruitment and assessment of patients and population-based controls. 
• To ensure high quality care and safety of patients in the studies 
• To assess and monitor patients using gold-standard clinical tools 
• To monitor and ensure data quality and integrity. 
• To oversee and contribute to the development of a study database and data entry. 
• To contribute to the administration and governance of the studies. 
• To organise and oversee weekly case and control tracking meetings, and quarterly steering group meetings. 
• To ensure an effective collaborative relationship with other researchers on the project, as well as with local clinical services and researchers on related projects. 
• To prepare progress reports and papers for publication, as required. 
• To contribute to reports, and to data analysis and the dissemination findings. 
• To develop your own research interests under discussion with line manager. 
• Other relevant activities as directed by the line managers 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

Skills, knowledge, and experience 

Essential criteria

1.       General Medical Council registration or eligible for it , with a valid licence to practice

2.       Experience of assessing patients with psychiatric disorders in UK or similar healthcare settings 

3.       Interest and commitment to psychiatric research 

4.       Ability to think creatively and critically 

5.       Ability to address research or audit questions  

6.       Good organisational and time management skills 

7.       Flexible, problem solving approach 

8.       Ability to work independently, work in a team and to deadlines 

9.       Evidence of strong academic potential and trajectory (eg prizes, distinctions, publications depending on career level) 

Candidates not meeting criteria 1 and 2 will not be considered further. 

Desirable criteria

1.       Relevant clinical and/or research experience, particularly in psychosis 

2.       Knowledge of managing research data and statistical analyses (such as SPSS or STATA) 

3.       Publications and/or presentations of research findings, particularly in psychosis, imaging or other relevant areas 

4.       Degree in relevant course (eg neuroscience, neuroimaging) 

5.       Training and/or experience with relevant psychiatric rating and/or neuroimaging measures 

Further information

The post would be ideal for a clinician with an interest in cutting edge neuroimaging and psychopharmacology. There is potential to develop a project for an MD/ PhD for a suitable candidate.  

This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service and Occupational Health clearance.

Requirements
Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

KINGS COLLEGE LONDON

Country

United Kingdom

City

London (Greater) (GB)

Where to apply

Website

https://www.timeshighereducation.com/unijobs/listing/362590/clinical-research-a…

Contact

City

London (Greater) (GB)

STATUS: EXPIRED