Research Assistant

Job overview

The post is an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant to work on the BOOST-3 trial. BOOST-3 is a randomised controlled trial aiming to evaluate the efficacy, mediators and targeting of the video feedback intervention for positive parenting, for mothers and birthing persons with moderate to severe non-psychotic perinatal mental health difficulties, and their babies. The project is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation Programme Grant scheme. It is conducted in collaboration with City St George’s University of London, and you will work closely with the Chief Investigator Dr Kirsten Barnicot.

Main duties of the job

The post will commence in September 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The postholder will carry out patient recruitment and data collection for the trial across participating perinatal mental health and parent-infant services. The post will involve office-based working alongside travel to clinical sites and participants’ homes. You will also have contact with perinatal services.

You must be able and willing to travel by public transport and by car between sites in/around London and the South East, and able and willing to work outside office hours as needed (including evenings).

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please note: This vacancy does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker sponsorship, unless you meet the criteria by temporary exemption from current changes to immigration rules put in force on 22/07/2025. “Separate provisions are applied to workers who have been sponsored and continuously held a Skilled Worker visa since prior to 04/04/2024."

As such, if you don’t meet the Transitional Provision (above) we are unable to consider your application unless you can provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the United Kingdom. If you believe you are eligible for sponsorship or already hold a valid right to work in the UK, please ensure you provide full details of your immigration status in the Pre-Screening Immigration section of your application form.

Please note role eligibility also depends on whether the role meets the salary threshold for the relevant occupational code (SOC CODE).

For further info please visit: Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK

The postholder will carry out patient recruitment and data collection for the trial across participating perinatal mental health and parent-infant services. The post will involve office-based working alongside travel to clinical sites and participants’ homes.

• To carry out patient recruitment and data collection for the trial across participating perinatal mental health and parent-infant services in the region.
• To ensure the trial is conducted in accordance with GCP and other applicable legislation for Clinical Trials, and the General Data Protection Regulation
• To assist with monitoring the trial progress to ensure adherence to the project plan and to identify, evaluate and rectify problems at trial sites as soon as they arise.
• To establish and maintain close working relationships with participating perinatal mental health and parent-infant services in the region.
• To work across participating perinatal mental health and parent-infant services to recruit mothers and birthing persons
• To regularly update the central project team about progress and issues occurring at the sites
• To troubleshoot any issues occurring at the sites
• To systematically screen participant flow through the sites
• Conduct baseline and follow up outcome assessments with mothers and birthing persons and their babies
• Data entry
• To work with the lived experience researcher to support patient and public involvement in the project
• Analyse video recordings of parent-infant interaction using standardised observational measures [full training will be provided]
• Analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data
• Maintaining essential trial documentation including the Trial Master File
• To assist with preparation of reports including to the ethics committee and the funder
• To deliver presentations (e.g. at workshops and conferences)
• To contribute to project meetings, assisting with agendas and other documentation
• Contribute to writing up the findings of research for reporting purposes and for publication
• Work in accordance with professional guidelines and complying with relevant requirements of Research Governance.
• Contribute to the overall activities of the project team as required.

Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.