Research Assistant

Job overview

Do you possess a 2:1 or higher degree in psychology or equivalent health related area?  Do you have experience of working in an NHS Trust, together with an understanding of the needs and difficulties of people with mental ill health or learning disabilities?  Do you have a passion for research in this area?

Our research team is expanding, and this provides an exciting opportunity for you to be involved with contributing to research evidence to improve the quality and value of care.

Main duties of the job

You will be working within a busy research team with a portfolio of studies covering a range of conditions.  These trials are NIHR funded studies, commercial trials, and academic studies.

You will be part of a dynamic team, with the ability to work individually, covering studies Trust wide.  You must have excellent organisational and communication skills to participate in screening and recruiting to studies.  You will collect research data through a variety of standardised measures and clinical tasks and update and maintain entries onto trial databases in accordance with relevant protocols and Good Clinical Practice guidelines.

You will be approachable, patient centred, highly motivated team player and possess a keen desire to learn.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Support the recruitment of participants to National Institute of Health Research portfolio studies through liaison with local research networks and clinical teams.

To discuss research studies with potential participants and their family/ significant others and obtain valid informed consent to take part for selected studies.

To undertake structured assessments, report and record data adhering to study specific research protocols and Good Clinical Practice under the supervision of a Clinical Studies Officer or Research Nurse or Clinical Research Practitioner in hospital or in community settings.

To assist in clinical audits and show commitment to and participant in quality improvement activities.

Responsible for recognising the signs of study participant harm, abuse or neglect, identifying issues regarding safeguarding and reporting all concerns with Trust safeguarding procedures.

Communicates in a way which recognises difference and ensures that people feel included and heard, with individual needs met.