Clinical Research Fellow in Psychiatry

The University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000

Job description

Job summary

We have received funding from UK Mental Health Mission to further support research activity in University of Manchester and local NHS Early Intervention in Psychosis Services. The posts will support a new cohort study, the Early Intervention Mission, that is being funded by the Mental Health Mission, that will be looking to streamline routine outcome data collection from all people within the OEIS, pioneer the use of mobile phone apps at scale for patient reported symptoms, and align with blood sample collection, for use in future genomic analysis and personalised medicine. These posts will work with Professor Richard Drake, and the Early Intervention Mission leadership team to develop this work. We will seek honorary NHS contracts so that the post-holders can be embedded in NHS Early Intervention Services and play an important role in bridging between the University and the clinical teams in order to fulfil the study research objectives in accordance with the funding. There will be plenty of opportunities to get experience in research in multiple different settings. This will be ideal for someone looking to gain experience in clinical research with a view to considering a future clinical academic career. Although the main focus is on delivering the research project objectives, there will be the opportunity for some clinical work to aid embedding in the team and support the integration between clinical and research work. There are two posts available.

Main duties of the job

1. To take initiatives in the planning and conduct of mental health research, including developing and revising study protocols and materials, gaining necessary approvals and launching clinical studies in collaboration with health services.
2. To facilitate all aspects of conducting clinical research, including proactive recruitment of participants through mental health services, conducting screening assessments and data collection, coordinating appointments.
3. To work collaboratively with external partners from other institutions and health services.
4. Data entry and maintenance of data records and screening log.
5. To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times and maintain accurate and complete records of all findings. Manage own research and administrative activities, within guidelines provided by senior colleagues.
6. Contribute to wider project planning, including ideas for new research projects.
7. Responsible for the day-to-day administration of the research project.
8. Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone.
9. Support study delivery by undertaking research activities outlined in approved study documents; facilitate the informed consent process as per legislation and the Mental Capacity Act, and develop and maintain skills, experience and competence in research processes.

About us

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme.
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays.
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period.
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers.

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working you can find out more here.

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to [e-mail].

Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Overall Purpose of the Job:

We have received funding from UK Mental Health Mission to further support research activity in University of Manchester and local NHS Early Intervention in Psychosis Services. The posts will support a new cohort study, the Early Intervention Mission, that is being funded by the Mental Health Mission, that will be looking to streamline routine outcome data collection from all people within the OEIS, pioneer the use of mobile phone apps at scale for patient reported symptoms, and align with blood sample collection, for use in future genomic analysis and personalised medicine. These posts will work with Professor Richard Drake, and the Early Intervention Mission leadership team to develop this work. We will seek honorary NHS contracts so that the postholders can be embedded in NHS Early Intervention Services and play an important role in bridging between the University and the clinical teams in order to fulfil the study research objectives in accordance with the funding. There will be plenty of opportunities to get experience in research in multiple different settings. This will be ideal for someone looking to gain experience in clinical research with a view to considering a future clinical academic career. Although the main focus is on delivering the research project objectives, there will be the opportunity for some clinical work to aid embedding in the team and support the integration between clinical and research work. There are two posts available.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

1. To take initiatives in the planning and conduct of mental health research, including developing and revising study protocols and materials, gaining necessary approvals and launching clinical studies in collaboration with health services.
2. To facilitate all aspects of conducting clinical research, including proactive recruitment of participants through mental health services, conducting screening assessments and data collection, coordinating appointments.
3. To work collaboratively with external partners from other institutions and health services.
4. Data entry and maintenance of data records and screening log.
5. To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times and maintain accurate and complete records of all findings. Manage own research and administrative activities, within guidelines provided by senior colleagues.
6. Contribute to wider project planning, including ideas for new research projects.
7. Responsible for the day-to-day administration of the research project.
8. Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone.
9. Support study delivery by undertaking research activities outlined in approved study documents; facilitate the informed consent process as per legislation and the Mental Capacity Act, and develop and maintain skills, experience and competence in research processes.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education / Qualifications:

Essential:

• Completion of a recognised medical degree.
• Completion of the UK Foundation Year 2 or work as a UK Core Trainee in psychiatry at CT1 or above.
• Previous experience of working in the NHS as a doctor for at least 12 months.

Experience

Essential:

• Experience of psychiatry rotation in Foundation Years and/or Core Training and/or prior clinical psychiatric research experience.

Desirable:

• Experience of recruiting to research studies including clinical trials in a healthcare setting.

Skills & Abilities

Essential:

• Skilled in performing holistic clinical assessments.
• Effective decision-making and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to work well within a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Awareness around confidentiality and data protection.
• Strong organisational skills for accurate record keeping and reporting.

Desirable:

• Understanding of the needs and capabilities of people with mental health conditions, particularly for those with First Episode Psychosis (FEP).

Knowledge & Understanding

Essential:

• Dedicated to high quality patient care.
• Energy/drive, enthusiasm and tenacity.
• Patient, non-judgmental, respectful and compassionate.

Other

Essential:

• Ability to travel independently (some research visits may take place in patients' homes or off site). The work will likely involve clinical work across both Greater Manchester NHS Trust and Pennine Care NHS Trust.
• Proactive attitude for engaging with Sponsor Management team.

Desirable:

• Willingness to attend conferences / training away from home.

Employer details

Employer name: The University of Manchester

Address: Oxford Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M13 9PL

Employer's website: