Research Assistant in the Department of Psychological Medicine

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced researcher to work in the Centre for Affective Disorders (CfAD). The CfAD is a centre of excellence for understanding the science related to these illnesses and uses this knowledge to help develop new treatments of all types including psychological and pharmacological.

This role will work closely with two academics. Firstly, Professor Anthony Cleare, who is co-director of the Centre for Affective Disorders, coordinating his research portfolio, conducting data analysis and preparing research papers for publication. Specific areas of work will include managing data from the LQD Study (a completed clinical trial that compared lithium and quetiapine in treatment resistant depression) and working collaboratively on secondary analysis, writeups, and dissemination. There will also be the opportunity for involvement in other collaborative research studies including data collection and systematic reviews. Alongside this, the postholder will work with Dr Rebecca Strawbridge, Lecturer in Psychological Medicine, coordinating an exciting new proof-of-concept study examining a supplementary form of lithium for people with depression with mixed features. This will include set-up and management of the ongoing study (including recruitment and data collection), with potential subsequent opportunities to lead on analysis and dissemination.

The successful candidate will demonstrate experience of research study administration and management following GCP guidelines, experience of ethics applications, successful peer reviewed publications and experience of data analysis.

In summary, this post will offer a breadth of experience in affective disorders research, from recruitment to study management, analysis, writing and publication. As such, this is an ideal opportunity for someone wishing to progress a career in mental health research.

This post will be offered on a full-time, fixed-term contract until 30th April 2026.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and undertake data analyses.
• Writing articles for publication and other dissemination activities
• Coordinating research study administration (including approvals, data management, ensuring conduct in accordance with data protection guidelines and relevant SOPs)
• Identification, screening, recruitment, and assessment of research participants
• Administering research assessments
• To contribute, as required, to other activities or studies, and occasionally perform other general tasks as they arise, that are appropriate to the grade as directed by the Principal Investigator or Study Coordinator of the project.

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

• First degree and a Masters level qualification in a relevant subject
• Evidence of continued professional / educational development
• Excellent project management skills and teamwork
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Knowledge of ethics and research governance procedures
• High level of organisational skills, problem solving and planning
• Excellent written English and writing stills including report / paper writing with ability to compose detailed documents
• Experience in the management or co-ordination of clinical studies
• Experience of database management and data analysis using statistical software
• Experience of research interviewing, including psychological measures and clinical assessments in patient groups

Desirable criteria

• GCP training and Human Tissue Act and Informed Consent training
• Peer-reviewed publications as first author
• Experience working with affective disorders or similar patient groups

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

Closing date: 26th March 2024