Research Therapy Assistant

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.

(https://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 remediation in a pilot randomised controlled trial as a research therapy assistant. The trial aims to understand the feasibility, acceptability, and initial effectiveness of technology-assisted cognitive remediation for improving how people with MS cope with cognitive difficulties. It is the perfect opportunity for someone interested in translational clinical neuropsychology research and practice.

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 remediation 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 therapy and research with people with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or highly related neurological or mental health 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. The successful applicant will join the Department of Psychology at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London.

This is a full time (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract for 13 months.

We would consider appointing two part-time applicants e.g., as a job share.

About you:

Essential criteria

• Degree in a Psychology or related field at least at the 2.1 level
• At least 6 months of experience of working in a clinically relevant setting (e.g. as an assistant psychologist) with people with a neurological or mental health condition

Desirable criteria

• At least 6 months of experience of working in a clinically relevant setting (e.g. as an assistant psychologist) with people with multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Experience of delivering or being trained to deliver Cognitive Remediation Therapy (CRT)
• Experience of working on a clinical trial (e.g., a randomised controlled trial – RCT)

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