Job description

The successful candidates will play a key role in innovative studies investigating new approaches to treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They will join Prof Oliver Howes' research group. This is based at the Institute of Psychiatry and MRC LMS, two of the leading clinical research centres in the world. 

The studies involve the recruitment and collection of clinical, multimodal neuroimaging and other data in patients. The projects include a clinical trial of the potential of adjunctive treatment for treatment resistance, studies of the mechanisms underlying symptoms in patients, and of novel treatment approaches. The post-holder will have opportunities to get involved in data analysis and develop their research interests within the projects. Training in research methods will be provided, and the post-holder will develop skills in using gold-standard diagnostic and clinical ratings, which will be useful for future research and clinical practice.  

Working closely with the Lead Investigators, the successful candidate will ensure the successful conduct and completion of the research programme. He/she will contribute to the collection and analysis of data and play a key role in the assessment and monitoring of patients, which will constitute clinical sessions and may count towards training. He/she 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. The successful candidate will also be encouraged to develop their own research interests.

This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract for 2 years 

This is a part-time post - 50% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

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

Your primary duties will be: 

• To contribute to the identification, recruitment and assessment of patients and population-based 

controls. 

• To monitor and ensure the progress of case and control recruitment, and collection of all data (including 

clinical and Neuroimaging data including the acquisition of PET, MR and MEG data). 

• To assess and monitor patients receiving standardised treatment (clinical sessions) working closely with 

our collaborators 

• 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 of the study. 

• To organise and oversee weekly case and control tracking meetings, and quarterly steering group 

meetings. 

• To ensure an effective collaborative relationship with other research workers on the project, as well as 

with local clinical services and researchers on other related projects. 

• To prepare progress reports and papers for publication, as required. 

• To contribute to reports, and to the analysis data and the dissemination findings. 

• To develop your own research interests. 

• Other relevant activities as directed by the line manager 

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. Undergraduate medical degree 

2. GMC registration 

3. Interest and commitment to psychiatric research 

4. Ability to think creatively and critically 

5. Ability to work with clinical teams in research 

6. Good organisational and time management skills 

7. Willingness to travel on project business when required 

8. Ambitious, enthusiastic about research in this area, responsible, flexible 

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

10. Strong academic trajectory (eg prizes, distinctions) 

Desirable criteria 

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

2. Ability to prepare ethical, research and development and research govenance applications 

3. Knowledge of managing research data and statistical analyses (including using packages such as SPSS or STATA) 

4. Publications and/or presentations of research findings, particularly in psychiatry journals 

5. Higher degree in relevant course (eg neuroscience, neuroimaging) 

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

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6. 

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. 

Clinical research, psychiatry, psychopharmacology