Research Assistant in the Department of Psychology

About us

The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) is a School of King's College London and the largest academic community in Europe devoted to the study and prevention of mental illness and brain disease. The IoPPN pioneers research into new and improved ways of understanding and treating mental ill health (http://www.kcl.ac.uk/ioppn/). The research role is based in the Psychology Department, one of the world’s largest academic groupings of clinical and health psychologists. It is one of four departments in the School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences.

www.kcl.ac.uk/psychology

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to join our study to improve cognitive recovery in multiple sclerosis will recruit individuals with MS and support us to offer technology-assisted cognitive rehabilitation in a pilot randomised controlled trial as a research assistant. The trial aims to understand the feasibility, acceptability, and initial effectiveness of technology-assisted cognitive rehabilitation for improving how people with MS cope with cognitive difficulties. It is the perfect opportunity for someone interested in translational clinical neuropsychology research.

People with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) can have cognitive difficulties that affect their ability to achieve meaningful goals. Finding treatments to improve cognition is a major priority in MS research and for NHS services. Our vision is to provide a novel therapy to reduce cognitive difficulties or limit their decline so individuals with MS can achieve their personal goals. We will use a tried and tested therapist-supported cognitive rehabilitation software and therapy programme, developed at the IoPPN, that builds cognition and metacognitive skills. Our study will gather evidence towards the design of a larger trial examining benefits and mechanisms of effect.

The post-holder will have an interest in and/or experience of research with people with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or highly related neurological conditions. It would suit a bright, responsible individual who can take initiative as well as work well in a team as well as problem solve issues relatively independently. The role involves recruitment and assessment of participants from local services, working closely with a research therapy assistant and a team of clinical academics.

This is a full time (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract for up to 19 months.

About you

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

Essential criteria

• Degree in a Psychology or related field at least at the 2.1 level
• Knowledge and/or experience of working with people with multiple sclerosis or highly related neurological conditions in the NHS
• Proven ability to use initiative to efficiently plan, and progress projects and communicate their findings
• Proven ability to work effectively as a team member as well as working alone  
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills & ability to work with colleagues at all levels
• An understanding of confidentiality and protocols for ethics and data protection
• Flexible approach to dealing with research problems as they arise
• Excellent organisation and administrative skills

Desirable criteria

• Experience working as an assistant psychologist offering assessment and/or treatment to people with multiple sclerosis or highly related neurological conditions in the NHS.
•  Experience working as a research assistant in a study using digital technology in people with multiple sclerosis or highly related neurological conditions. 
•  Experience with, and commitment to, patient and public engagement & non-academic dissemination of research study findings.

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