Research Assistant – RELMED Study

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

The Department of Psychiatry is based on the Warneford Hospital site in Oxford – a friendly, welcoming place of work with an international reputation for excellence. The Department has a substantial research programme, with major funding from Medical Research Council (MRC), Wellcome Trust and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and provides highly rated medical training in psychiatry.  The Head of Department is Professor Belinda Lennox.

We are looking for a Research Assistant for the RELMED project. RELMED is a Wellcome Trust funded research project which aims to understand which computational (reinforcement learning) mechanisms are engaged by different antidepressant treatments.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

About the Role

The post is funded until 31 July 2027 and is based in the Department of Psychiatry at the Warneford Hospital.  The post is offered on a full-time basis but we would also welcome applications from candidates wishing to work part-time (minimum 80% FTE).

The RELMED study is opening in May 2025. It consists of two randomised clinical trials to be run in sequence. The first trial will run until 2027.  This post is suitable for a candidate with proven research experience and experience of recruiting participants to research studies, who wishes to contribute to top quality research.

You will be responsible for recruiting study participants by discussing the study with and obtaining informed consent from people with depression.  This will include administering study measures and providing support to study participants with the completion of study outcome measures.  You will liaise with study personnel including clinical staff, clinical managers, administrative staff and members of the research team and provide administrative support and assistance to ensure the successful completion of the project.  You will ensure that the project is run to agreed standards and timetable with the highest standard of record keeping and maintaining accurate, complete and up-to-date records.

About You

You will hold a first degree or Master’s in psychology or a related area along with an excellent academic record.  You will have proven experience in mental health research and be able to demonstrate substantial experience of of working with people with depression/mental health problems as well as recruiting participants to research studies.   Demonstrable excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills are essential as is the ability to work both independently and within a team.  Experience of working with clinical trials would be desirable.

Diversity

Committed to equality and valuing diversity

Our active Psychiatry People and Culture teams and initiatives work to make the Department of Psychiatry as supportive, welcoming and inclusive as possible.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

The closing date for applications is 12:00 midday on 5 May 2025.

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