Ease Research Assistant

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.

As the post will involve extensive travel within the Greater Manchester area, the ability to travel independently of the public transport system is important. The post is based at Central Park, Northampton Road, Manchester, M40 5BP. The post is funded full-time for 12 months from January 2027, with the possibility of extension. The post-holder will receive line management support from Professor Filippo Varese and the EASE trial managers in Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH). This includes regular line management supervision, clear objective setting for 3, 6 and 12 months and annual appraisals thereafter (depending on continued funding for the post).

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.

Main duties of the job
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 experience of working in a mental health setting as an Assistant Psychologist or Research Assistant (or equivalent experience), and an interest in psychosis, trauma, and/or other serious mental health difficulties.

About us
Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 122 locations.

We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford,Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.

Greater Manchester is one of the world's most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options.

Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity.

Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.

Job responsibilities
Please see attached job description and person specification

Staff benefits

• Pay Enhancements: 30% additional for Evenings (8pm onwards) and Saturdays and 60% additional for Sundays and Bank holidays.
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
• Excellent pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car scheme
• Wellbeing programme
• Blue Light Card Discounts
• fuelGenie Fuel Cards (for applicable roles

Person Specification
Experience
Essential

• Experience of recruiting research participants from diverse communities that are often under-represented in research, such as Black, Asian and other diverse ethnic communities.
• Experience of conducting research

Desirable

• Experience as a research assistant.
• Experience in Patient & Public Involvement (PPI) in a research setting.

Education / Qualifications
Essential

• Good honours degree in psychology (at least 2:1).

Desirable

• Good honours degree in psychology (at least 2:1).
• Eligibility for membership of the British Psychological Society (BPS) or relevant professional body.

Knowledge
Essential

• Knowledge of research design.
• Knowledge of research methods, including data collection and analysis.

Desirable

• Knowledge regarding psychological approaches to severe mental illnesses.
• Knowledge of research ethics and governance procedures.

Skills and Abilities
Essential

• Ability to conduct literature searches.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a team player and liaise with a variety of other personnel within health and social services and with community members.

Desirable

• Full UK driving license (subject to Disability Discrimination legislation.

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).

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).