Job description

The post-holder will work with Prof Rubia and her team on an exciting project funded by the NIHR testing a novel non-pharmacological brain stimulation therapy for ADHD approved by the FDA and CE. The therapy is based on the stimulation of the trigeminal nerve (TNS) which has shown to improve ADHD symptoms in a proof of concept trial in the USA. This study will test the novel neurotherapy for ADHD in a larger, multicenter, randomised controlled trial (RCT) in 150 children and adolescents with ADHD at KCL and Southampton University.

The post-holder will have the opportunity to acquire or extend his/her experience in fMRI, learn cutting edge stimulation methods, work in innovative clinical research and new therapy development and work in an interdisciplinary team at the Institute of Psychiatry, involving MRI physicists and analysts, cognitive neuroscientists, statisticians and child psychiatrists.

The candidate will either have a PhD or ample experience as a research assistant with a strong background in neuropsychology, neuroimaging, cognitive neuroscience or related fields and show evidence of working independently, excellent organisation skills, team-work abilities, excellent writing skills, and statistical expertise. It is strongly desirable that the post-holder has prior experience in sMRI/fMRI, and cognitive (developmental) neuroscience. Other criteria are: autonomy through all stages of cognitive brain-imaging experimentation, sound knowledge of experimental design and statistical methods, and proven ability to express ideas and disseminate findings effectively and good writing skills. Experience with RCT and ADHD is strongly desirable. Applicants should be able to work independently as well as co-operate with other members of the research team.

This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract for 3 years & 7 months.

This is a full-time  post - 100% full time equivalent

Key responsibilities

- Run a RCT on TNS in ADHD children as part of a team 

- Recruitment of suitable ADHD participants from South London and Maudsley and other London Clinics and ADHD parent support groups.

- Liaise with local clinical services for recruitment, as well as close and supportive working with families taking part in the study 

- Arrange and manage the MRI scanning of adolescents with ADHD during task-related fMRI before and after treatment.

- Assist with clinical and cognitive research evaluation of children before, during and after treatment. 

- Responsible for administration of clinical questionnaires, IQ, and psychometric testing online and face to face.

- Responsible for neuropsychological testing.

- Responsible for showing parents the administration of the TNS devices.

- Preparation of clinical, demographic and neuropsychological data for input into the statistical database.

- Analysis of task-related fMRI imaging data (optional).

- Write original research publications.

- Disseminate findings through presentation at conferences, the media, parent support groups, clinics and other outlets

- Work closely with the trial manager and the other post-doctoral research assistants at KCL and Southampton.

- Since the study is funded for a specific period of time, proper planning and meeting milestones is essential.

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  

• Either PhD in psychology, neuroscience, medicine, neurobiology, neuroimaging or related subjects or experienced RA with BA/MSC. 

• BA or BSc in psychology, neuroscience, neuroimaging, medicine, neurobiology, or related subjects 

• Statistical knowledge  

• Excellent communication skills, oral and written as shown by prior publication as well as excellent interpersonal skills (good English skills) 

• Experience in neuropsychological testing/cognitive neuroscience  

• Prior research in related area (ideally experience of recruitment in RCTs in ADHD or other pediatric patient groups in mental health).  

• Experience with data collection, storage and analysis  

• Ability to work independently and under supervision, assessing priorities and managing workload effectively  

• Excellent organization skills, team working skills and ability to prioritise work and meeting deadlines   

• To establish and maintain good channels of communication with other departments within the University, the NHS, and parent support groups  

• Able to work independently and efficiently – autodidactic, enthusiastic, conscientious and organised  

• Motivated, flexible, persistent and proactive  

Desirable criteria

• Experience in RCTs  

• Experience with analysing MRI data in FSL, SPM, or AFNI. 

• Experience in trials in pediatric patient groups  

• Working experience with children  

• Prior research in ADHD  

please note that 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. Candidates who have strong experience as a research assistant without a PHD will also be considered. 

Further information

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