Research Assistant in the Department of Psychological Medicine

Disorders of the gut-brain-axis are very common. There is increasing evidence that certain medications can help to restore the gut-brain-axis and improve both physical health and mental health. 

The post holder will have a key role in supporting the MDIBD trial, which is investigating an antidepressant (mirtazapine) in 76 people with depression and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This is the largest ever trial of an antidepressant in people with IBD. The post holder will support the recruitment to the study across several major London hospitals. They will lead follow-up visits for the study and manage the study database. The post holder will gain valuable experience conducting psychiatric interviews and working at the interface of physical health and mental health.  

The post holder will have the opportunity to co-author publications; present at international conferences; and will gain clinical experience and research experience in both depression and gut disease. 

The post holder will join the Centre for Affective Disorders at King’s College London, led by Professor Allan Young. The post holder will work with, and be supervised by Dr Calum Moulton, Consultant Psychiatrist and NIHR Advanced Fellow at the Centre for Affective Disorders. 

The post holder will additionally work with research nurses at the Clinical Research Facility at King’s College Hospital and other members of the Centre for Affective Disorders at The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience. 

This post will be offered on a full-time, fixed-term contract for 24 months.