Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust

Higher Research Assistant

The closing date is 12 June 2025

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Research Assistant to join the CNTW Research Delivery team to support the development and delivery of existing NIHR Portfolio Studies in a wide range of clinical areas including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, Parkinson's disease, Motor Neurone Disease, Huntington's disease and Dementia. In line with the CNTW strategy and the aims of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), we aim to establish a record of research excellence, developing a multi-disciplinary research team, operating across multiple organisations and encompassing a wide geographical region in the North East.

Main duties of the job

Under the supervision of senior colleagues, the post holder will support the research team to facilitate recruitment of patients into studies that are on the NIHR clinical research portfolio with a strong focus in the areas of Dementia and Parkinson's Disease. This will involve providing relevant information to patients about clinical research and ensuring that trials are undertaken in accordance with good clinical practice and regulatory standards. The Senior Research Assistant will need to have good communication skills and be willing to work across organisational boundaries.

About us

We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.

CNTW is one of the leading research active mental health trusts in England and offers the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of clinical research across specialities.

Date posted

29 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £36,483 a year per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

263-SS25-044-MG

Job locations

Wolfson Unit

Newcastle Upon Tyne

NE4 5PL

Job description

Job 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 CBT, 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 : 29th May 2025

Closing date : 12th June 2025

We welcome your application.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please find attached job description for full details.

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

Please find attached job description for full details.

Advertising date : 29th May 2025

Closing date : 12th June 2025

We welcome your application.

Person Specification

Research experience

Essential

Research experience

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

Broad familiarity with clinical assessment of symptoms in people with mental health problems
Previous experience in administering psychological assessments with good level of practical skill

Qualifications

Essential

2:1 or higher degree in psychology or a health sciences related degree.
Eligible for an honorary NHS research contract including satisfactory CRB clearance

Desirable

Postgraduate research degree

Skills and Competencies

Essential

Able to deal with public and colleagues in a pleasant and polite manner at all times
The ability to work independently and use one's initiative, with strong organisational skills.
Ability to engage with patients with a mental health diagnosis
An ability to work effectively across a range of clinical and academic research settings
Mobile and able to travel independently without loss of efficiency.

Person Specification

Research experience

Essential

Research experience

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

Broad familiarity with clinical assessment of symptoms in people with mental health problems
Previous experience in administering psychological assessments with good level of practical skill

Qualifications

Essential

2:1 or higher degree in psychology or a health sciences related degree.
Eligible for an honorary NHS research contract including satisfactory CRB clearance

Desirable

Postgraduate research degree

Skills and Competencies

Essential

Able to deal with public and colleagues in a pleasant and polite manner at all times
The ability to work independently and use one's initiative, with strong organisational skills.
Ability to engage with patients with a mental health diagnosis
An ability to work effectively across a range of clinical and academic research settings
Mobile and able to travel independently without loss of efficiency.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.