Job summary
Fixed term contract for 6 months.
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust is looking for a committed and enthusiastic Research Assistants to join the CAMEO Early Intervention in Psychosis Service as part of the ProNET Study: Psychosis-Risk Outcome Network. The study involves further collaboration with other 25 centres of excellence around the world and is funded by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH).Locally, The ProNET Study is led by Professor Jesus Perez and Dr Liliana Galindo. The successful applicant will contribute to recruitment and assessment of participants. The successful applicant will play an active part in this research program. The research is inherently translational and multi-disciplinary, involving strong links with psychology, psychiatry and genetics.The applicants will ideally have:- Experience in running studies with human participants.- Proven ability to solve routine problems in relation to research studies.- Good written and verbal communication skills.- The ability to communicate comfortably with vulnerable young people.- Familiarity with databases and general word processing software.- Experience with clinical interviewing and/or MRI and/or EEG.- Good administrative skills.- A high level of attention to detail.- Experience in recruiting participants in research.
Main duties of the job
CAMEO is a multi-award-winning mental health service for people who are experiencing first-episodepsychosis or are at risk of developing such an illness. CAMEO has strong links with the department ofpsychiatry at the University of Cambridge and is involved in world-class research projects. CAMEO hasinfluenced changes in policies and practice at national and international level.
The main duties are but not limited to :
1. Assessments and coordination betweencenters
- Be responsible for participants assessments (clinical assessments, MRI and EEG acquisition).
- Liaise with the Research Coordinator and the other Research Assistant for the successful running of the study.
- Contribute to address issues (practical or strategic) that may affect the smooth running and progress of the study.
2. Ensure adherence to Standard Operating Procedures
3. Maintenance of study/s documentation and records
4. Progression of study
5. Recruitment of patients
Identify strategies for the recruitment of suitable patients for the study. The post holder will identify potential patients for clinical research and determine their eligibility.
About us
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust is a health & social care organisation dedicated to providing high quality care with compassion to improve the health & wellbeing of the people we care for, as well as supporting & empowering them to lead a fulfilling life.
Our clinical teams deliver many NHS services not only via inpatient and primary care setting but also with the community. These services include Children, Adult & Older Peoples mental & physical health, Forensic & Specialist mental health, Learning Disabilities, Primary Care & Liaison psychiatry, Substance misuse, Social care, Research & Development.
To achieve our goal, we look to recruit high calibre candidates that share our vision & values. As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from all sectors of the community, particularly from under-represented groups including disabled people & members of our ethnic minorities & LGBTQ+ communities.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details of responsibilities
- The successful applicants will play an active part in this research program. They will contribute to the recruitment process, interviews and assessment procedures at baseline and follow-ups.
- The diverse nature of these posts requires that the research assistants must be aware of their responsibilities for maintaining a safe and healthy environment for participants, visitors and staff.
- The research assistants will comply with current Health and Safety legislation and adhere to the NIH, NHS and University of Cambridge training, policies and procedures.
- The research assistants will work both independently and closely with other members of the research team and healthcare professionals working in CAMEO.
- They will ensure that recruitment and data ascertainment from participants is carried out to a high standard using proficient communication skills. Work will be primarily based in Cambridge; however, these posts will require flexible travel to other areas outside Cambridge, within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, for possible participants recruitment and assessments.
- Some MRI scanning slots and other assessment procedures may be out-of-hours, and adjusting to participants timetables may is also be necessary.
- The ideal candidates would demonstrate excellent communication and relationship building skills, experience in running studies with human participants, and the ability to communicate comfortably with vulnerable young people from a variety of backgrounds at high risk for psychosis.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for full details of responsibilities
- The successful applicants will play an active part in this research program. They will contribute to the recruitment process, interviews and assessment procedures at baseline and follow-ups.
- The diverse nature of these posts requires that the research assistants must be aware of their responsibilities for maintaining a safe and healthy environment for participants, visitors and staff.
- The research assistants will comply with current Health and Safety legislation and adhere to the NIH, NHS and University of Cambridge training, policies and procedures.
- The research assistants will work both independently and closely with other members of the research team and healthcare professionals working in CAMEO.
- They will ensure that recruitment and data ascertainment from participants is carried out to a high standard using proficient communication skills. Work will be primarily based in Cambridge; however, these posts will require flexible travel to other areas outside Cambridge, within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, for possible participants recruitment and assessments.
- Some MRI scanning slots and other assessment procedures may be out-of-hours, and adjusting to participants timetables may is also be necessary.
- The ideal candidates would demonstrate excellent communication and relationship building skills, experience in running studies with human participants, and the ability to communicate comfortably with vulnerable young people from a variety of backgrounds at high risk for psychosis.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- First degree in a health-related or social science subject, or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Experience in clinical research studies and/or MRI and/or EEG
- Research-related masters degree in a health-related or social science subject.
- PhD or equivalent international qualification or commensurate level of experience in clinical research.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of research collaboration
- Experience of conducting clinical research.
- Clinical interviewing experience and/or cognitive task delivery would be an advantage
- Experience of working with mental health clients and/or community populations
- Experience of managing own workload
Desirable
- Experience of conducting clinical research in patients with psychosis
- Experience of conducting research studies with MRI
- Experience of conducting research studies with EEG
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
- Knowledge and experience of patient involvement
- Awareness of Data Protection, Research & Clinical Governance guidelines and Ethical requirements
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex and conceptual ideas to a range of groups
- Ability to collaborate actively within organisations and externally to complete research projects
- Excellent IT skills: word processing, databases & email and experience of using analytical software
- Ability to manage time, workload and prioritise with minimal supervision.
- Ability to write fluently and produce high quality reports and documentation
Desirable
- Possess sufficient breadth and knowledge of the assessment tools used as research methods and techniques in the study
- Some knowledge in clinical studies and/or MRI and/or EEG.
- Good computing skills with some experience in software for designing clinical and translational research databases (i.e RedCap).
Personal qualities
Essential
- Flexible and adaptable approach to work
- Understanding and respect for confidentiality
- Self-motivated and works with a degree of autonomy.
- Ability to work to deadlines
- Ability to use initiative in problem-solving and identifying solutions and actions.
- Ability to work within a team or with people from a range of backgrounds and levels of seniority.
- Ability to relate with the public and participants in the study.
- Ability to answer queries or concerns that the participant might have in a knowledgeable and reassuring manner.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
Other
Essential
- Willingness to travel to other sites / conferences / event
- A genuine interest in mental health research, specifically in psychosis
Desirable
- An understanding of NHS services is desirable
- Flexible about of working off-site and out-of-hours to assess participants in accordance with standard work procedures
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- First degree in a health-related or social science subject, or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Experience in clinical research studies and/or MRI and/or EEG
- Research-related masters degree in a health-related or social science subject.
- PhD or equivalent international qualification or commensurate level of experience in clinical research.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of research collaboration
- Experience of conducting clinical research.
- Clinical interviewing experience and/or cognitive task delivery would be an advantage
- Experience of working with mental health clients and/or community populations
- Experience of managing own workload
Desirable
- Experience of conducting clinical research in patients with psychosis
- Experience of conducting research studies with MRI
- Experience of conducting research studies with EEG
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
- Knowledge and experience of patient involvement
- Awareness of Data Protection, Research & Clinical Governance guidelines and Ethical requirements
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex and conceptual ideas to a range of groups
- Ability to collaborate actively within organisations and externally to complete research projects
- Excellent IT skills: word processing, databases & email and experience of using analytical software
- Ability to manage time, workload and prioritise with minimal supervision.
- Ability to write fluently and produce high quality reports and documentation
Desirable
- Possess sufficient breadth and knowledge of the assessment tools used as research methods and techniques in the study
- Some knowledge in clinical studies and/or MRI and/or EEG.
- Good computing skills with some experience in software for designing clinical and translational research databases (i.e RedCap).
Personal qualities
Essential
- Flexible and adaptable approach to work
- Understanding and respect for confidentiality
- Self-motivated and works with a degree of autonomy.
- Ability to work to deadlines
- Ability to use initiative in problem-solving and identifying solutions and actions.
- Ability to work within a team or with people from a range of backgrounds and levels of seniority.
- Ability to relate with the public and participants in the study.
- Ability to answer queries or concerns that the participant might have in a knowledgeable and reassuring manner.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
Other
Essential
- Willingness to travel to other sites / conferences / event
- A genuine interest in mental health research, specifically in psychosis
Desirable
- An understanding of NHS services is desirable
- Flexible about of working off-site and out-of-hours to assess participants in accordance with standard work procedures
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
