Research Associate in the Department of Psychology

About the role

The post-holder will work in the area of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) on the COMPASS-MS research grant funded by the MS Society. This involves implementing a therapist supported digital therapeutic for treating depression and anxiety in the context of LTCs (COMPASS) for people with MS in an outpatient neurology service. The research will explore the barriers and facilitators to implementation using mixed methods.

 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8557248/

This is an exciting opportunity to join a research team who are passionate about putting evidence-based research into practice. This will be an opportunity to develop research skills but also exposure to the implementation of cognitive-behavioural therapy for depression and anxiety for LTCs in the NHS and liaising with digital providers and gain experience in working with digital health technology providers. The role will be extremely varied and will allow the candidate to gain a wealth of experience. Specifically, to allow the candidate to understand the challenges of implementation they will embed withing the outpatient neurology clinic working alongside neurologists, nurses, and psychiatry.

This is a full time post (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31st August 2025.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

 Essential criteria

1. PhD in Health Psychology or related area (or pending results)
2. Experience of conducting quantitative or qualitative research methods
3. Experience of conducting research in NHS settings
4. Experience in communicating with stakeholders including patients, health care professionals, and other relevant groups
5. Experience in project management including delivering research aims to deadlines
6. A good publication record commensurate with level of career
7. Evidence an understanding of real-world implementation research

Desirable criteria

1. Previous experience in applying health psychology theory to the development of complex interventions, particularly digital interventions and adapting content
2. Evidence knowledge of role of cognitive behavioural therapy and how this is delivered in England
3. Knowledge of depression and anxiety in long term physical health conditions
4. Background in health or mental health.

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, via the above ‘Apply’ button. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Closing date: 17^th July 2024

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