Research Associate (Fixed Term)

This is an exciting opportunity to join ImmunoMIND, a new MRC-funded Mental Health Platform Hub, based at Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge. ImmunoMind aims to explore the links between mental and physical health relating to the immune and metabolic systems and open the door to more effective treatments.

The role holder will be an integral part of a work package focused on applying qualitative methods to maximise the impact of PsyMetRiC, a novel data-driven risk prediction tool to improve individualised physical healthcare for young people at the onset of severe mental illness. Together, this work could transform our ability to prevent life-limiting physical conditions in people with severe mental illness, promoting longer, healthier lives right from the start.

The role holder will be working with Professor Graham Murray in Cambridge and, in Birmingham, with Dr Ben Perry, Associate Clinical Professor, Co-Lead of the work package, and developer of the PsyMetRiC tool.

The role holder will also be part of the wider ImmunoMIND Programme, with collaborators from the Universities of Birmingham, Edinburgh, Bristol and Oxford LSHTM, and Imperial College London.

We welcome applicants who would like to use this opportunity to develop further research proposals such as a postdoctoral fellowship application or other grants.

Key responsibilities:

• Assisting with protocol refinement and supporting governance processes (e.g., ethical approval)
• Qualitative data collection including interviews and focus groups with young people with severe mental illness, carers and health professionals
• Qualitative data analysis
• Contribute to development of professionally produced clinician- and patient-facing resources based on results
• Lead on writing manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals
• Opportunity to present work at national and international conferences
• Contribute to supervision and development of trainee researchers and postgraduate students
• Be supported to develop own career e.g., through applying for grants and/or post-doctoral fellowships.

For further details of the post and the application process, please read the further particulars. 

Dr Ben Perry Email: mailto:bip20@medschl.cam.ac.uk 

Fixed-term: 18 months fixed term contract from 1st April 2025- 30th June 2026

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

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

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and a CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering 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 email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

The closing date for applications is: 2nd February 2025

The interview date for the role is: 17th or 18th February 2025

Please quote reference RN44614 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

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

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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