Clinical Research Fellow

This is an exciting opportunity to gain and develop research skills. The successful candidates will play a key role in innovative studies investigating new approaches to treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They will join Prof Oliver Howes’ research group. This is based at the Institute of Psychiatry and Institute of Medical Sciences, two of the leading clinical research centres in the world. 

The studies involve subject recruitment and collection of clinical, multimodal neuroimaging and other data in patients. The projects include a clinical trial of the potential of adjunctive treatment for treatment resistance, studies of the mechanisms underlying symptoms and tardive dyskinesia in patients, and of novel treatment approaches. The post-holder will have opportunities to get involved in data analysis and develop their research interests within the projects. Training in research methods will be provided, and the post-holder will develop skills in using gold-standard diagnostic and clinical ratings, which will be useful for future research and clinical practice.  

Working closely with the Lead Investigators, the successful candidate will ensure the successful conduct and completion of the research programme. He/she will contribute to the collection and analysis of data and play a key role in the assessment and monitoring of patients, which will constitute clinical sessions and may count towards training. He/she will also work closely with other research staff in the project and foster effective collaborative working relationships with the local early intervention services for psychosis. The successful candidate will also be encouraged to develop their own research interests.

1 x 1 year post (potential to extend for PhD/MD for suitable candidate)

1 x 3 year post (potential for PhD/MD for suitable candidate)

There is some flexibility in start date.

GMC registration is a requirement. 

One post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract for up to 1 year and the other post will be offered on a fixed-term contract for up to 3 years. 

These are Full-time posts – 100% full time equivalent (requests for part-time may be considered)

The successful applicant will contribute to the successful conduct and completion of the research projects.  

Your primary duties will be: 

• To contribute to the identification, recruitment and assessment of patients and population-based controls. 
• To monitor and ensure the progress of case and control recruitment, and collection of all data (including clinical and Neuroimaging data including the acquisition of PET, MR and MEG data). 
• To assess and monitor patients receiving standardised treatment (clinical sessions) working closely with our collaborators 
• To monitor and ensure data quality and integrity. 
• To oversee and contribute to, the development of a study database and data entry. 
• To contribute to the administration of the study. 
• To organise and oversee weekly case and control tracking meetings, and quarterly steering group meetings. 
• To ensure an effective collaborative relationship with other research workers on the project, as well as with local clinical services and researchers on other related projects. 
• To prepare progress reports and papers for publication, as required. 
• To contribute to reports, and to the analysis data and the dissemination findings. 
• To develop your own research interests. 
• Other relevant activities as directed by the line manager 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.  

Essential criteria 

Undergraduate medical degree 

GMC registration (candidates without this will not be considered) 

Interest and commitment to psychiatric research 

Ability to think creatively and critically 

Ability to work with teams to address research or audit questions  

Good organisational and time management skills 

Willingness to travel on project business when required 

Ambitious, enthusiastic about research in this area, responsible, flexible 

Ability to work independently, work in a team and to deadlines 

Evidence of strong academic potential and trajectory (eg prizes, distinctions, publications depending on career level) 

Desirable criteria 

1.       Relevant clinical and/or research experience, particularly in psychosis 

2.       Knowledge of managing research data and statistical analyses (such as SPSS or STATA) 

3.       Publications and/or presentations of research findings, particularly in psychosis, imaging or other relevant areas 

4.       Higher degree in relevant course (eg neuroscience, neuroimaging) 

5.       Training and/or experience with relevant psychiatric rating and/or neuroimaging measures 

The post would be ideal for a clinician with an interest in cutting edge neuroimaging and psychopharmacology. There is potential to develop a project for an MD/ PhD for a suitable candidate.