Job description

The Sound Mind project aims to investigate a novel non-invasive method of brain modulation as a treatment for mild cognitive impairment, and eventually dementia. Sound Mind is funded by the Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute and the study is led by Dr Gráinne McLoughlin.

Applications are sought for one full time Research Assistant to work on the development and day-to-day running of the project. The successful applicant will be based at the Social Genetic Developmental Psychiatry Centre at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, and will work closely with the Principal Investigator, Dr Gráinne McLoughlin, a postdoctoral research assistant (to be recruited), and our collaborators at University College Cork, led by Dr Alexander Khalil.

The post is most suitable for a researcher with a psychology, neuroscience or related degree. The post would be suitable for someone seeking a career in clinical research. The successful applicant will take an active role in recruitment of participants for the project, which will also include data management and follow-up phone calls for data collection. The postholder will have experience of recruiting participants to research studies and ideally EEG data collection within a mental health setting. Additional responsibilities include assessments and interviews with participants.

This post will be offered on an fixed-term contract until 31-Dec-2024 with the possibility of extension for an additional two years.

This is a full-time post

Key responsibilities

• Assist in the establishment of the research project, including necessary administration (e.g. submission of ethics application) 
• Participant recruitment and EEG data collection, including the development of data collection strategy
• Assist in the building, organisation and maintenance of a database including all of the data generated by the project
• Provide research support to Dr McLoughlin and the research team

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

The post is most suitable for a researcher with a psychology, neuroscience or related degree. The post would be suitable for someone seeking a career in clinical research. The successful applicant will take an active role in recruitment of participants for the project, which will also include data management and follow-up phone calls for data collection. The postholder will have experience of recruiting participants to research studies and ideally EEG data collection within a mental health setting. Additional responsibilities include assessments and interviews with participants.

Essential criteria

1. A good first degree (2:1) or above in psychology, neuroscience or a related biological or social science
2. Knowledge of statistical packages such as SPSS, Stata, R
3. Data entry experience: Ability to input and manage data carefully and reliably
4. Experience of recruiting participants for research
5. Ability to work autonomously
6. Good time management, organisational skills and the ability to work to deadlines
7. Excellent communication skills
8. Ability to deal with sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality of data

Desirable criteria

1. MSc in cognitive neuroscience, neuroscience or similar
2. Experience working with complex databases
3. Training and/or experience in EEG data acquisition