Research Associate

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £31,396 to £33,966 with potential progression once in post to £38,205

Hours: Part Time (30 hours per week)

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to June 2025

Summary of the Project

People with psychotic disorders like schizophrenia experience worse physical health outcomes than the rest of the population. For example, they are much more likely to develop physical conditions like diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases than the rest of the population, and over time this translates to a 15-20 year shortened life expectancy.

The psychosis metabolic risk calculator (PsyMetRiC) is a data-driven risk prediction tool designed to predict the risk of developing future physical health problems, right from the start of psychotic disorders in young adults. With accurate information on future risk, health professionals and patients can take steps to reduce the chance that those physical conditions develop in the first place. PsyMetRiC is on a clear path toward implementation into clinical practice in the UK and internationally.

To ensure that PsyMetRiC really makes a difference to improving the physical health and long-term outcomes of young adults with experience of psychosis, clear attention must be placed on ensuring that PsyMetRiC scores and their implications are understood by the clinician, and explained to the young adult in a sensitive way that motivates positive change, without causing undue worry or distress.

This project will involve the post-holder engaging with key stakeholders involved in the care of young people with experience of psychosis (young adults, carers, health professionals) via the conduct and facilitation of focus groups. Then, armed with the information gained from those focus groups, the post-holder will work with a graphic designer to produce a visually attractive, impactful risk communication guide for health professionals and patients.

The post holder will be encouraged and supported to receive expert-led training on the conduct and facilitation of focus groups, and will be supported to be involved on all all academic outputs (publications, conference presentations). 

Person Specification

• Masters degree or equivalent experience in research relevant subject area
• Some basic knowledge of Schizophrenia, Psychosis, and their treatment
• Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques
• Ability to analyse information, work on own initiative, problem solve and communicate effectively.
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.
• Experience of working in mental health research in NHS or University settings
• Requirement for DBS, Occupational Health Check and awareness of the Data Protection Act (DPA) 

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Benjamin Perry (b.i.perry@bham.ac.uk)

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the Apply Online button

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