Research Assistant (Fixed Term)

Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Centre, Douglas House, Cambridge

Limit of tenure applies: 31st May 2027

We wish to appoint a Research Assistant to work on a study called the Autism GP Diagnosis Study at the Autism Research Centre (ARC), in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge. The study will evaluate whether GPs can diagnose autism as accurately as specialist clinicians with aim of reducing the long waiting lists for autism diagnosis in the UK.

The Department has an outstanding international reputation in the field of psychiatric research, rated the best psychiatry department in the UK and in Europe. The ARC's mission is to conduct research that both deepens our understanding of autism and has real-world relevance for improving the health and wellbeing of autistic people and their families. The ARC views autism as both a disability and an example of neurodiversity. The ARC's values are summarised here: https://www.autismresearchcentre.com/our-values/. The ARC values inclusion for autistic people to maximise their wellbeing, and consults with the autism community on every research project it undertakes.

The appointee will be supervised by the project coordinator (yet to be recruited). They will also work with other members of the ARC (Prof. Simon Baron-Cohen and Dr. Carrie Allison) and collaborators at the University of Hull (Prof. Fiona Matthews) and the University of Central Lancashire (Prof. Umesh Chauhan). This study is funded by a private donation facilitated by the Cambridge University Development and Alumni Relations office.

The Research Assistant will be involved in activities including data management and liaising with study participants regarding recruitment and consent. The appointee will be required to occasionally travel to GP practices outside of Cambridge to discuss the study implementation with the practice manager. They will also be responsible for project administration, including communicating with schools and parents/carers of autistic children, data entry, and supporting community engagement. They will participate in team meetings. All necessary training will be provided.

The successful applicant will have a good degree in Psychology or a related relevant discipline. Experience of working on clinical studies is desirable but not essential. Essential qualities include strong organisational and communication skills, especially with children, parents, and teachers, and excellent attention to detail, time management skills, and an ability to work independently. Desirable qualities include experience working with autistic children, an understanding of research methods, basic statistics (e.g., use of SPSS or R), and data manipulation (e.g., using Excel).

Informal enquiries may be directed to Dr. Carrie Allison (cla29@cam.ac.uk)

Deadline for applications is 3rd November 2024, interviews TBC. 

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the apply button above.

Please ensure that you upload a cover letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The cover letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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