Clinical Research Fellow in Psychiatry

Job description

Job responsibilities

Overall Purpose of the Job:

We have received funding from UK Mental Health Mission to further support research activity in University of Manchester and local NHS Early Intervention in Psychosis Services. The posts will support a new cohort study, the Early Intervention Mission, that is being funded by the Mental Health Mission, that will be looking to streamline routine outcome data collection from all people within the OEIS, pioneer the use of mobile phone apps at scale for patient reported symptoms, and align with blood sample collection, for use in future genomic analysis and personalised medicine.

These posts will work with Professor Richard Drake, and the Early Intervention Mission leadership team to develop this work. We will seek honorary NHS contracts so that the postholders can be embedded in NHS Early Intervention Services and play an important role in bridging between the University and the clinical teams in order to fulfil the study research objectives in accordance with the funding.

There will be plenty of opportunities to get experience in research in multiple different settings. This will be ideal for someone looking to gain experience in clinical research with a view to considering a future clinical academic career.

Although the main focus is on delivering the research project objectives, there will be the opportunity for some clinical work to aid embedding in the team and support the integration between clinical and research work. There are two posts available.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

To take initiatives in the planning and conduct of mental health research, including developing and revising study protocols and materials, gaining necessary approvals and launching clinical studies in collaboration with health services

To facilitate all aspects of conducting clinical research, including proactive recruitment of participants through mental health services, conducting screening assessments and data collection, coordinating appointments

To work collaboratively with external partners from other institutions and health services

Data entry and maintenance of data records and screening log

To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times and maintain accurate and complete records of all findings. Manage own research and administrative activities, within guidelines provided by senior colleagues

Contribute to wider project planning, including ideas for new research projects

Responsible for the day-to-day administration of the research project

Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone

Support study delivery by undertaking research activities outlined in approved study documents; facilitate the informed consent process as per legislation and the Mental Capacity Act, and develop and maintain skills, experience and competence in research processes

Provide staff and participants with information about the purpose of studies, the resources required and be a point of contact for staff involved

Collect and maintain data and study documentation and ensure that all data collected, stored and used is done so in compliance with relevant statutory instruments, national and local guidelines and regulations

Adhere to Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP), Research Governance Framework, national and local practices and policies

Provide written or verbal reports regarding the progress of the research to the research team

Support the management team in the event of inspection from a regulatory and/or monitoring authority

Engage in multi-disciplinary meetings and reviews where appropriate

Make presentations at conferences or exhibit work in other appropriate events

Write or contribute to publications or disseminate research findings using other appropriate media

Identify sources of funding and contribute to the process of securing funds

Autonomous Working

Prioritise work in an effective manner

Work effectively with limited supervision

Act independently and use own initiative to maintain collaborative research relationships with NHS, CRN and University staff

NHS Work Patient Management

To conduct clinical work in Early Intervention in Psychosis (maximum 1 or 2 days per week) as required in NHS honorary contract and as agreed by University Line Manager and NHS line manager

Maintain professional integrity in line with your relevant Code of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct

Out of hours and day emergency cover duties

There are no out of hours or day emergency cover commitments for this post

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education / Qualifications:

Essential: (applicants without UK clinical experience will not be interviewed)

Completion of a recognised medical degree

Completion of the UK Foundation Year 2 or work as a UK Core Trainee in psychiatry at CT1 or above

Previous experience of working in the NHS as a doctor for at least 12 months

Experience

Essential:

Experience of psychiatry rotation in Foundation Years and/or Core Training and/or prior clinical psychiatric research experience

Desirable:

Experience of recruiting to research studies including clinical trials in a healthcare setting

Skills & Abilities

Essential:

Skilled in performing holistic clinical assessments

Effective decision-making and problem-solving ability

Ability to work well within a multi-disciplinary team environment

Awareness around confidentiality and data protection

Strong organisational skills for accurate record keeping and reporting

Desirable:

Understanding of the needs and capabilities of people with mental health conditions, particularly for those with First Episode Psychosis (FEP)

Knowledge & Understanding

Essential:

Dedicated to high quality patient care

Energy/drive, enthusiasm and tenacity

Patient, non-judgmental, respectful and compassionate

Other

Essential:

Ability to travel independently (some research visits may take place in patients' homes or off site). The work will likely involve clinical work across both Greater Manchester NHS Trust and Pennine Care NHS Trust

Proactive attitude for engaging with Sponsor Management team

Desirable:

Willingness to attend conferences / training away from home

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Completion of a recognised medical degree
• Completion of the UK Foundation Year 2 or work as a UK Core Trainee in psychiatry at CT1 or above
• Previous experience of working in the NHS as a doctor for at least 12 months

Experience

Essential

• Experience of psychiatry rotation in Foundation Years and/or Core Training and/or prior clinical psychiatric research experience

Desirable

• Experience of recruiting to research studies including clinical trials in a healthcare setting

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.

Employer details

Employer name

The University of Manchester

Address

Oxford Road

Manchester

Greater Manchester

M13 9PL

Employer's website

https://www.jobs.manchester.ac.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)