Clinical Research Fellow in Psychiatry

Job overview

We are seeking an energetic and enthusiastic resident doctor (F3 equivalent) to help deliver the Early Psychosis Mission, a large national project in early psychosis. The role will entail patient contact and research experience, and is ideal for a junior resident wanting to build on their research and clinical experience in psychiatry. GMC registration and foundation programme (or equivalent) experience are essential requirements. Previous clinical research experience is desirable.

Main duties of the job

This post will work with Dr Murray, Dr Osimo, and the wider Early Intervention Mission leadership team to develop this work. The post will play an important role in bridging between the University Psychiatry Department and the clinical team 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, from the laboratory to the clinic and to develop projects according to particular interests. This will be the ideal post 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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

EDUCATIONAL/RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES:

The role will allow the development of research and clinical skills while working with people with severe mental illness. It is ideally suited to those with an interest in a clinical-academic career and building towards future applications to an academic clinical fellowship and/or doctoral training programmes.

There are regular educational meetings and attendance is strongly encouraged. There will also be educational opportunities through the Mental Health Mission.

Educational objectives:

There will be many opportunities for trainees to develop skills/competencies, including the following areas:

• Collect and maintain data and study documentation and ensure that all data collected, stored and used is done so in compliance with relevant statutory instruments, national and local guidelines and regulations
• Adhere to Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP), Research Governance Framework, national and local practices and policies
• Provide written or verbal reports regarding the progress of the research to the research team
• Support the management team in the event of inspection from a regulatory and/or monitoring authority
• Engage in multi-disciplinary meetings and reviews where appropriate

• Manage own research and administrative activities, within guidelines provided by senior colleagues
• Contribute to wider project planning, including ideas for new research projects
• Contribute to the design of research materials and make arrangements for data gathering
• Gather, analyse, and present qualitative and/or quantitative data from a variety of sources
• Responsible for the day-to-day administration of the research project
• Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone
• 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.
• Provide staff and participants with information about the purpose of studies, the resources required and be a point of contact for staff involved.

Autonomous Working

• Prioritise work in an effective manner
• Work effectively with limited supervision
• Act independently and use own initiative to maintain collaborative research relationships with NHS, CRN and University staff

Performance Management

• To receive regular supervision in accordance with Trust policy guidelines
• To maintain and build on skills and competencies through annual appraisal and Personal Development Plans and attend training that takes account of evidence-based practice and contributes to the team objectives. To undertake continuous professional development
• To work in accordance with all policies and procedures, including the support of equal opportunities and social inclusion.
• Take part in local, internal/external audits/inspections

Health and Safety/Safeguarding Responsibilities

• Recognise that promoting the welfare and safeguarding children, young people and adults is everyone's business and access training and supervision as appropriate to the role.
• Raise concerns appropriately in line with the Trust’s Safeguarding Adults Policy and the Child Protection Policy and interagency safeguarding procedures.
• Comply with recruitment and other checks as requested by the organisation including undertaking an Enhanced Disclosure via the Criminal Records Bureau.
• Take responsibility for the health & safety of themselves and other persons who may be affected by their omissions or actions at work.
• Report accidents, incidents and near misses, implementing corrective action where necessary

Case/Patient Management

• Maintain professional integrity in line with your relevant Code of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct.