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South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

Research Assistant

The closing date is 30 April 2026

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Job summary

The post is to work as a Research Assistant on the EASE Trial, an NIHR randomised controlled trial (RCT) that aims to examine the value of EMDR for people with early psychosis, and a history of distressing life experiences. An earlier innovative feasibility RCT (EASE feasibility trial) indicated that this treatment is acceptable and safe for people with first episode psychosis. The EASE Trial is an exciting opportunity to become involved in building on this evidence base. Whilst we know that EMDR for psychosis (EMDRp) can be effective for trauma symptoms for people who have psychosis, there is limited research on whether EMDRp is effective for symptoms of psychosis itself. This trial will contribute to the evidence base, which will inform the care offered in NHS settings for early signs of psychosis.

Main duties of the job

  • To assist in the implementation of a research project.
  • To undertake recruitment, data collection, analysis, the production of reports and summaries, using IT and statistical programmes.
  • To undertake protocol-based psychological assessments of clients applying self-report measures, rating scales, and semi-structured interviews with service users.
  • Preparation of study materials, such as interview topic guides.
  • To attend and contribute to appropriate multi-disciplinary meetings, steering groups and other forums as appropriate.
  • Set up systems to ensure efficient management of own workload, under the guidance of Project & Trial Manager/CI.
  • Set up and manage databases when required.
  • Utilise IT to support report writing, data input and analysis.
  • To perform other duties of a similar kind appropriate to the grade, which may be required from time to time.

About us

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) provide the widest range of NHS mental health services in the UK as well as substance misuse services for people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. We work closely with the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London and are part of King's Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre. There are very few organisations in the world that have such wide-ranging capabilities working with mental illness. Our scope is unique because it is built on three major foundations: care and treatment, science and research, and training.

By coming to work at SLaM, you will gain experience of being part of an organisation with a rich history and international reputation in mental health care. You will have access to professional development and learning opportunities, and have the chance to work alongside people who are world leaders in their field.

Details

Date posted

16 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£34,186 to £37,389 a year Per annum inclusive of HCAS

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

334-NCL-7879615-MU-A

Job locations

PICuP, Middle House, Maudsley Hospital

Denmark Hill

London

SE5 8AZ


Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will be responsible for recruiting eligible participants to the trial, conducting assessments using validated clinical measures to confirm the eligibility of participants, and to conduct baseline and follow up assessments. Administrative requirements will include timely and accurate documentation, updating clinical records, and managing record-keeping databases. This post will involve travelling to, and working across, multiple locations including NHS settings and participants homes. Hence, the post holder must be comfortable lone working, within a supported and structured risk management protocol. Applicants should be able to work warmly and sensitively with people experiencing distress, and be able to manage their own wellbeing using available supervision and support structures.

You will have a good first degree in Psychology (at least a 2:1). You will have some experienceofworking in a mental health setting as an Assistant Psychologist or Research Assistant (or equivalent experience), and aninterestin psychosis, trauma, and/or other serious mental health difficulties. Knowledgeofaudit, research design and data analysis is essential. Experienceofusing a structured psychiatric interview would be advantageous. Experience of recruiting research participants from diverse communities that are often under-represented in research would also be beneficial for the role. We particularly encourage applicants interested in developing their own skills and knowledge, and contributing to the wider research team.

We strive to be an inclusive research team, and we welcome applicants from a diverse range of communities to apply for the post, including people from diverse ethnic communities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, and/or who identify as having a disability, lived experience of a mental health problem, or as being neurodivergent.

The post is funded full-time for 12 months from 1st June 2026, with the possibility of extension.

The post-holder will receive line management support fromDr Amy Hardy and Dr Sunil Nandha, and research trial supervision the EASE trial managers in Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH).

Please note, this vacancy will close when 100 applications are received. You are therefore advised to apply as soon as possible.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will be responsible for recruiting eligible participants to the trial, conducting assessments using validated clinical measures to confirm the eligibility of participants, and to conduct baseline and follow up assessments. Administrative requirements will include timely and accurate documentation, updating clinical records, and managing record-keeping databases. This post will involve travelling to, and working across, multiple locations including NHS settings and participants homes. Hence, the post holder must be comfortable lone working, within a supported and structured risk management protocol. Applicants should be able to work warmly and sensitively with people experiencing distress, and be able to manage their own wellbeing using available supervision and support structures.

You will have a good first degree in Psychology (at least a 2:1). You will have some experienceofworking in a mental health setting as an Assistant Psychologist or Research Assistant (or equivalent experience), and aninterestin psychosis, trauma, and/or other serious mental health difficulties. Knowledgeofaudit, research design and data analysis is essential. Experienceofusing a structured psychiatric interview would be advantageous. Experience of recruiting research participants from diverse communities that are often under-represented in research would also be beneficial for the role. We particularly encourage applicants interested in developing their own skills and knowledge, and contributing to the wider research team.

We strive to be an inclusive research team, and we welcome applicants from a diverse range of communities to apply for the post, including people from diverse ethnic communities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, and/or who identify as having a disability, lived experience of a mental health problem, or as being neurodivergent.

The post is funded full-time for 12 months from 1st June 2026, with the possibility of extension.

The post-holder will receive line management support fromDr Amy Hardy and Dr Sunil Nandha, and research trial supervision the EASE trial managers in Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH).

Please note, this vacancy will close when 100 applications are received. You are therefore advised to apply as soon as possible.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Honours degree in psychology with graduate basis for registration with BPS (at least 2:1)

Desirable

  • Master's degree in relevant subject

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of conducting research
  • Experience of working with young people or adults with clinical needs, in a research or clinical setting

Desirable

  • Experience of being a research assistant
  • Experience in Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in research

Knowledge and skills

Essential

  • Knowledge of research design and methods, including data collection and analysis.
  • Theoretical knowledge of the needs of people experiencing severe mental health problems, including safeguarding.
  • Respectful and effective written and verbal communication skills for working with service users, carers, relatives, community members, multidisciplinary clinicians and academic staff.
  • Ability to work effectively within a team, holding team roles and contributing to team functioning, including liaison with multidisciplinary teams and being responsive to their needs.
  • Ability to work independently with good time management, completing clinical and research tasks according to governance procedures.
  • Excellent IT skills including Word, Excel, email, Internet, and data management systems.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of psychological therapies for people experiencing severe mental health problems.
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Honours degree in psychology with graduate basis for registration with BPS (at least 2:1)

Desirable

  • Master's degree in relevant subject

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of conducting research
  • Experience of working with young people or adults with clinical needs, in a research or clinical setting

Desirable

  • Experience of being a research assistant
  • Experience in Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in research

Knowledge and skills

Essential

  • Knowledge of research design and methods, including data collection and analysis.
  • Theoretical knowledge of the needs of people experiencing severe mental health problems, including safeguarding.
  • Respectful and effective written and verbal communication skills for working with service users, carers, relatives, community members, multidisciplinary clinicians and academic staff.
  • Ability to work effectively within a team, holding team roles and contributing to team functioning, including liaison with multidisciplinary teams and being responsive to their needs.
  • Ability to work independently with good time management, completing clinical and research tasks according to governance procedures.
  • Excellent IT skills including Word, Excel, email, Internet, and data management systems.

Desirable

  • Knowledge of psychological therapies for people experiencing severe mental health problems.

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

Address

PICuP, Middle House, Maudsley Hospital

Denmark Hill

London

SE5 8AZ


Employer's website

https://www.slam.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

Address

PICuP, Middle House, Maudsley Hospital

Denmark Hill

London

SE5 8AZ


Employer's website

https://www.slam.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Consultant Clinical Psychologist/co-site PI

Amy Hardy

amy.hardy@slam.nhs.uk

07730283943

Details

Date posted

16 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£34,186 to £37,389 a year Per annum inclusive of HCAS

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

334-NCL-7879615-MU-A

Job locations

PICuP, Middle House, Maudsley Hospital

Denmark Hill

London

SE5 8AZ


Supporting documents

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