Research Assistant (Fixed Term)

Full Time, Fixed Term 1 year to February 2026 with the possibility of extension to February 2027, must be able to start in February 2025. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing research programme concerning children & young people's mental health; the ChARM group working on the WAIT LESS study.  

This study aims to co-produce a digital self-led application of the Brief Psychosocial Invention (BPI) with young people, parents, & health professionals. We want to find out if digital BPI offers rapid relief for young people with mood-related mental health concerns waiting on the Children & Young People's Mental Health Services (CYPMHS) waiting list.

The programme comprises of four interrelated work packages:

• Work Package 1:  Interviews & focus groups with young people, parents/carers, & clinicians to gather experiences & ideas on app usage, recruiting from two NHS Trusts.
• Work Package 2: Co-design sessions with the advisory groups & software engineers, to develop the app.
• Work Package 3: Prototype evaluation with young people from two NHS clinics to assess usability, functionality, & safety.
• Work Package 4: Pilot study comparing young people with access to the app versus standard waitlist care, testing recruitment feasibility, app usage & cost-effectiveness.

This post will be based at the University of Cambridge in the Department of Psychiatry & work as a Research Assistant to support a National Institute for Health & Care Research (NIHR) funded programme, "WAIT LESS" Wait Less: Developing a Web App for Young People with Depression on Waiting Lists for Mental Health Services | ARC East of England

The role has a strong focus on supporting work package 4. The postholder will liaise with the wider study team across work package 4 including collaborators at the University of Cambridge & NHS trusts.

Essential qualities include a good degree in Psychology or a related relevant discipline, strong organisational & communication skills, especially with children, parents, & clinicians & the ability to work with qualitative research methods. Desirable qualities include experience working within the NHS & people living with mental illness, an understanding of research methods (qualitative & quantitative). 

The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic & motivated person. They will have an interest in working with young people with mental health difficulties; & in developing & evaluating new psychological interventions. They will be highly organised with excellent communication & engagement skills. They will work well with others & independently, show initiative when faced with challenges, & have good problem-solving skills.

We offer flexible working allowing working from home; however we would expect the successful candidate to work in the office 2/3 days per week.

Deadline for applications is 8th January 2025 with interviews TBC.

This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.

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.

Please include details of your referees, including e-mail address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

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

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