Research Assistant

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Research Assistant
Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences
Cardiff University School of Medicine
College of Biomedical and Life Sciences

A position is available for a Research Assistant to work in the National Centre of Mental Health (NCMH) based at the Hadyn Ellis Building, Cathays. Working with partner sites across the UK, the primary responsibility will be to facilitate and coordinate the recruitment of participants with a history of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder/Severe premenstrual Syndrome into the PreDDICT study.

The successful candidate will have a degree (2.1 or above) in Psychology (or equivalent). Experience of working with individuals with a history of mental illness and neurodevelopmental disorders is highly desirable, as is experience of recruiting NHS patients into research studies. Experience in the use of standardised interviews and questionnaires would be an advantage. In-depth knowledge of reproductive mental health problems and experience running focus groups with people with lived experience is necessary.

We aim to recruit forward and outward-facing, motivated, passionate individuals who will stimulate new thinking with progressive and inclusive approaches. We are committed to employing people who will bring difference in background, approach, identity and experiences.

For informal discussion please contact Professor A. Di Florio – Email: [email protected]

This post is full time (35 hours per week) available immediately and is fixed term until 31 March 2026.

Salary: £28,762 – £33,314 per annum (Grade 5)
Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances

Date advert posted: Friday, 10 March 2023

Closing date: Sunday, 26 March 2023

Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave (including bank holidays), local pension scheme, a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments within the pay scale, and more.  It is an exciting and vibrant place to work, with many different challenges and is a proud Living Wage supporter

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age.  In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment – Research – Cardiff University

Job Description

Main function 
To contribute to research within specialist area, carrying out supporting work that helps lead to the publishing of research in high-quality journals. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities 
•    To undertake research, e.g. by planning, preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of questionnaires.
•    To participate actively within the research group, communicating and presenting research at meetings, through publications and other recognised avenues as appropriate, ensuring information is communicated to internal and external partners
•    To contribute and support research publications and presentations as required.
•    To contribute and support research funding bids as required.
•    To liaise with NHS clinical teams to facilitate patient recruitment to the study.
•    To analyse and communicate complex ideas, concepts and data using appropriate methods and packages
•    To resolve issues and support colleagues in devising procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
•    To generate research output and contribute to the development of  independent  and original ideas as appropriate
•    To work flexibly as part of a team to achieve the study objectives, adapting to new procedures, taking on new tasks consistent with the role, and facilitating the development of the study
•    To provide support in research activities for undergraduate courses and research programmes and provide guidance to other members of staff within the research team
•    To maintain and update area of specialist knowledge, researching and critically appraising relevant literature within the area.

Other
•    To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.
•    To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
•    To ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties.
•    To abide by the University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity.
•    Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria 

Qualifications and Education
1.    A degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2.    Knowledge of research methods and techniques within the field of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

3.    Proven ability to analyse complex information and summarise appropriately.

4.    Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies.

5.    In-depth knowledge of reproductive mental health.

6.    Previous experience running focus groups with people with lived experience.

7.    Ability to evidence expert knowledge of utilising survey software such as REDCap for qualitative research.

Communication and Team Working
8.    Proven communication skills, including presentation to various audiences.

9.    Excellent organisational and team-working skills.

Other
10.    Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and teamworking within work.

Desirable Criteria 

1.    Postgraduate degree at Masters level in a related subject area or relevant industrial experience.
2.    Previous experience of administering psychological interviews and/or questionnaires.

3.    Evidence of collaborations with industry.

4.     Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community. 

Additional Information

IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria
It is School of Medicine’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for shortlisting. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance for this post, 16014BR .

If candidates do not provide written evidence of meeting all of the essential criteria then their application will not be progressed. The School of Medicine welcome the submission of CVs to accompany evidence of the job-based criteria.

Job Category

Academic – Research, Health, Medical & Dental