Research Assistant

We are seeking a well organised full-time research assistant with experience of working with people with severe mental health problems to work on the ACER (Assessing Clinical and cost Effectiveness of inpatient mental health Rehabilitation in the NHS and independent sector) project. The project is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and started on 1st October 2021. The project is investigating the current provision, quality and effectiveness of inpatient mental health rehabilitation services in the NHS and independent sector across England. Around 4,000 people with severe and complex mental health problems are receiving inpatient mental health rehabilitation in England at any time, with over half of these services provided by the independent sector. The use of inpatient rehabilitation provided by the independent sector has attracted negative media attention because the length of admission is longer than in the NHS and individuals are usually much further from home. However, there has been no research investigating the characteristics of patients and services in the two sectors and it is possible that there are important differences between them. For example, it may be that the NHS sends their more complex patients to the independent sector, or that having a longer period of treatment leads to better outcomes. Main Duties

• Adhere to all relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of PRIMENT CTU in the conduct of the study.
• Liaise with personnel involved in the project at all study sites (including clinical staff, clinical managers, CRN staff), the project manager and members of the project management group as necessary.
• Administer follow-up outcome assessments with study participants and key staff in accordance with the study protocol
• Complete study logs and data entry as directed by the Project Manager.
• File all study materials as directed by the Project Manager, in keeping with the relevant UCL and PRIMENT Clinical Trials Unit SOPs.
• Conduct qualitative data analysis and write-up under the supervision of the Chief Investigator and co-investigators
  
  We are looking for someone who is highly organised and has experience working with people with severe mental health problems in a clinical or research context.
A first degree to a high standard in psychology or a relevant social science and an excellent academic record is essential, and you will need to have excellent interpersonal and written communication skills. You will need to have good computer skills and experience of using Microsoft packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and have the ability to work using your own initiative and collaboratively as part of a team. The role would be ideal for someone who is considering a career in mental health research or clinical psychology.

The UCL Division of Psychiatry, located within the Faculty of Brain Sciences, is a world-renowned centre of excellence in mental health research. Our mission is to improve mental health through cutting-edge research and education. By leveraging insights from basic science, we address clinical problems with the aim of improving patient outcomes and public health. Moreover, we take pride in delivering innovative teaching that is directly relevant to clinical practice and informed by our research. Join our team and help us drive forward the field of mental health research and education.


• The post is Grade 6B, the annual salary for which ranges from £38,357 - £41,005 (including London Allowance).
• This role will be offered on a Fixed Term Contract as Maternity Cover from 17th March 2025 until 17th December 2025.
• Any offer of employment will be subject to a standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check., Please use the personal statement section to explain how you meet each essential and desirable criteria outlined in the person specification.
• Please ensure your CV is no longer than 2 pages.
• Please do not upload any additional documents (transcripts, papers, or other reports).
• Please do not upload your photograph on your application/CV.
• Interviews will be held on 15th January from 2-5pm (GMT) in person., As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
• 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
• Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
• On-Site nursery
• On-site gym
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance
The full range of staff benefits can be found here: Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. The Division of Psychiatry prides itself for operating in an all-inclusive environment. Teamwork is highly valued, individual strengths are recognised and celebrated, and there is a commitment to advancing the careers of everyone, regardless of gender or role. We aim to provide a family friendly environment where both women and men feel able to take the time they need for family. The Athena SWAN Charter recognises commitment to advancing women's careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in academia and the Division is delighted to have an Athena Swan Silver Award since 2022. All staff are invited to contribute to EDI initiatives within the Division to contribute to improving working conditions and opportunities for all. Mentoring is a crucial part of supporting career progression and mentoring schemes are available for staff in the Division. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: Available documents