Job description 

We are looking for a Post-doctoral Research Associate to lead the interview aspect of the NHS CHECK study. The post holder will have experience in conducting interviews using structured schedules and semi structured interviews using broad topic guides. The postholder will also oversee 2 research assistants.

NHS CHECK is a multi-site cohort study exploring the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on staff working at selected NHS Trusts. The study is a large survey-based study which includes a baseline survey with follow ups at month 4, 8 and 12 and an interview component at the 4 month time point.

This is a very prestigious UKRI funded study which has Urgent Public Health Priority status, making it one of ~50 (out of ~1300 submissions) Covid studies which are designated top national priorities for recruitment & delivery.
NHS CHECK is a collaborative effort led by a research team at King’s College London and King’s Health Partners supported by expert clinicians, frontline staff and researchers across different NHS Trusts and Universities, and the NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre. 

The successful applicant will work in an integrated, cross site multidisciplinary team responsible for: developing materials for the interviews, collecting data for the study using semi-structured telephone interviews (Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised (CIS-R)), following clinical risk protocol and referral to the study clinical contact, monitoring participation, analysing qualitative interview data e.g. thematic analysis. The post holder may become involved in other activities as time allows.  

You will be employed by the Department of Psychological Medicine, King’s College London where the post will be based and you will report to the NHS CHECK Project Manager and Chief Investigator. 

This is a fixed-term, part-time position for 12 months.

Key responsibilities

• To develop materials for the psychiatric diagnostic interviews and lead this aspect of the NHS CHECK study.
• To organise and conduct qualitative telephone interviews with NHS staff members.
• To follow clinical risk protocols and referral to the clinical contact for the study
• To supervise 2 research assistants to ensure recruitment targets are met and interviews carried out as per protocol.
• Analysing qualitative interview data
• Presenting at team meetings and providing regular updates to the team.
• To ensure data confidentiality, work within the requirements of the Health Research Authority (HRA), the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018 and other regulatory bodies. 

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

• PhD in psychology, health related or other relevant subject
• Experience working with study participants with mental health diagnosis
• Experience in conducting interviews using structured schedules and semi structured interviews using broad topic guides preferably via the phone
• Experience line managing or supervising junior team members
• Experience of analysis of qualitative interview data e.g. using thematic analysis
• Experience of using NVivo software
• Knowledge of the culture/structure of the NHS
• Experience of clinical risk management for research participants
• Proactive, enthusiastic and able to use initiative
• Knowledgeable in data confidentiality/security 

Desirable criteria

• Experience in conducting the CIS-R (Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised)
• Experience in carrying out qualitative research with NHS staff
• Published qualitative paprs in high quality journals

Further information

This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service.

This advertisement does not meet the requirements for a Certificate of Sponsorship under Home Office regulations and therefore the university will not be able to offer sponsorship for this role.