Higher Research Assistant

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Research Assistant to join the CNTW Research Delivery team to support the delivery of two NIHR Portfolio Studies focused on neurostimulation. The post is for 36 months and responsibilities will be split between each study.

The first study focuses on bipolar depression. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive form of brain stimulation that uses a very small electrical current applied through the scalp and has shown promise as a treatment for depression.

Participants must meet specific eligibility criteria, which will be assessed by the research team. People who do not meet the study criteria or for whom tDCS is not suitable will not be able to take part.

The second study focuses on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a form of non-invasive brain stimulation which doesn't need an anaesthetic and is administered in clinic.  rTMS could represent a treatment option for adolescents with depression who have not recovered after an anti-depressant and psychological treatment or do not want those treatments.  The successful applicant will be involved in the delivery of the rTMS intervention as well as supporting with wider research activities.

A total of 50 adolescents with depression aged 14-19 will be recruited. As such, experience of working with children and adolescents is desirable.

Main duties of the job

Under the supervision of senior colleagues, the post holder will support the research team to facilitate recruitment of participants into these two studies and support study delivery. This will involve providing relevant information to patients about the studies and ensuring the trials are undertaken in accordance with good clinical practice and regulatory standards. The Higher Research Assistant will need to have good communication skills and be willing to work across organisational boundaries. Daily activities will involve data collection, participant identification, screening, coordination of the wider research team, administrative support in addition to interventional delivery.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please find attached job description for full details.

The ideal candidate should have experience in research. They should have the ability to organize and manage multiple interlinked components of the project and their work. They will need to demonstrate a high level of interpersonal skills and be able to conduct interviews and assessment with potentially vulnerable individuals. Most importantly, they will need to be enthusiastic about the research area and have a high level of motivation and commitment.

The post would be suitable for a psychology or health sciences graduate with post-graduate clinical research experience and ideally some experience of independent execution of research work as well as an interest in further developing their research and academic skills. The post holder should have a general understanding of the often-complex mental health symptomatology and needs of the service users and carers the service comes into contact with. The post holder should also have knowledge of the principles of confidentiality and risk assessment in a mental health context.

Previous experience of working with individuals with mental health problems is desirable.

Please find attached job description for full details.

Advertising date : 19th May 2026

Closing date : 2nd June 2026

We welcome your application.