Job description

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced post-doctoral researcher to be involved in the Biomedical Research Centre in Mental Health (BRC-MH) at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience. At the BRC-MH we believe in putting the service user voice at the heart of research. We are looking for a person interested in service user involvement and research to Coordinate the Patient and Carer Involvement Theme ( maudsleybrc.nihr.ac.uk). This theme conducts research from service users’ perspectives so that they can be easily translated into beneficial clinical care. In addition to specific mental health research, the post-holder will help to facilitate and develop patient and public involvement across the BRC-MH.

We have a varied research plan that includes digital-health programmes and the development of Patient Reported Outcomes relevant to other investigations within the BRC M-H. We take a mixed methods approach collecting both qualitative and quantitative data. But we want to extend the programme to involve new studies with PhD students.

The post-holder will manage the administrative, operational, and financial aspects of the theme including the team of research workers. The postholder also has the opportunity to generate new research projects within the Theme and their area of interest, write publications, present at national and international conferences. This is a perfect role for an experienced researcher to move toward developing an independent programme of research in their chosen specialism.

This post will be two years in the first instance, with the potential of renewal for five years, subject to successful renewal funding.

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

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

Key responsibilities

• Co-ordinate all aspects and implement day to day running of the BRC PCP Theme  

• Ensure the Theme achieves its objectives, within budget and in accordance with specific deadlines

• Overall project supervision and progression, including management of the PCP research team

• Develop research protocols using knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods, coordinate ethics applications and implement the protocols

• Develop and maintain databases in accordance with data protection regulations; and enforce confidentiality of data amongst staff

• Manage reporting, including submission of project deliverables, periodic and final reports, in a timely manner and ensure that all reporting is submitted using the required format

• Writing grants relevant to the BRC PCP Theme which expand the postholder’s and team’s research portfolio and supplement current grant income

• Arrange and chair regular progress meetings

• Develop publications and present at conferences on the research programme

• Promote the project and deal with PR

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

This post is suitable for a highly organised and motivated post-doctoral researcher. Applicants should have a strong track record in designing appropriate quantitative and qualitative research studies, experience applying for research funding, and evidence of excellent staff and project management skills. Applicants should also be skilled in liaising and communicating with a wide range of people and be adept in updating on progress and outcomes in a range of formats. 

Essential criteria  

• PhD in a discipline relevant to the work of the Theme 

• Strong planning and organisational skills including the ability to prioritise, manage multiple tasks and projects 

• Proven ability to deliver to stringent performance criteria 

• Experience in designing research, including conducting appropriate analyses 

• Experience in writing research protocols and funding applications 

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with the ability to communicate complex information at all levels 

• Experience in project management relevant to mental health research 

• Experience in staff management 

• Project write up and reports experience 

• Evidence of research publications 

• Experience of developing and delivering Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) activities/events 

• Interest in or experience of service user involvement 

Desirable criteria

• First-hand experience of using mental health services 

• Experience of successfully recruiting participants 

• Experience of working with young people 

• Experience of qualitative and quantitative research methods 

• Knowledge of e-health/digital health interventions 

• Basic knowledge of developing outcome measures and psychometric testing 

* 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 NIHR BRC at the Maudsley is applying for further funding so there is a potential for extending the contract and the outcome will be known in 2022 

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

Post-doctoral Research Coordinator