Research Coordinator (Research Associate) in the Department of Psychology

at  Kings College London

Job id: 086408. Salary: £43,205 - £50,585 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance.
Posted: 15 March 2024. Closing date: 07 April 2024.
Business unit: IoPPN. Department: Psychology.
Contact details: Professor Dame Til Wykes. til.wykes@kcl.ac.uk
Location: Denmark Hill Campus. Category: Research.
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Job description
This is an exciting opportunity for a post-doctoral researcher passionate about Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) in research to make a difference in the Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) for Mental Health. Our BRC believes in putting the service user voice at the heart of research, and generating knowledge that will make a difference to the lives of people affected by mental distress. Within the PPIE theme, we put this into practice by supporting service user involvement activities and conducting research that matters to service users. Our previous research has included measures like one to report medication side effects and we hope to develop more of these Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs).
The Research Coordinator will play a key role as the coordinator to facilitate service user involvement activities based in our theme, including the operations of PPIE, supporting our Research Workers and leads, and Diversity champion. As a Research Fellow, the postholder will carry out their own research on topics that are important to service users and relevant to our theme. This includes a wide range of topics, from digital mental health to medication side effects and will include the full research cycle from funding to publication and dissemination. The postholder will be supported by the theme Co-Leads.
The postholder will be passionate about embedding meaningful Patient and Public Involvement in research. The postholder will also have a good understanding of both quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research and a track record in collaborating with a range of stakeholders. This is a perfect role for an experienced researcher to move towards developing an independent programme of research in their chosen specialism.
Applicants from racialised groups, and those with lived experience of mental distress or using mental health services, are strongly encouraged to apply.
This post will be offered on an a fixed term contract until 30 November 2027.
This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent.
Key responsibilities
Co-ordinate and implement the day-to-day activities of PPIE in the Maudsley BRC
Ensure we achieve our objectives and milestones.
Use initiative and creativity to identify areas for research and extend our research portfolio, using knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods,
Project supervision, including managing researchers and supporting the PPI group leads.
Coordinate ethics applications, R&D regulations and implement research protocols.
Develop and maintain databases in accordance with data protection regulations; and ensure confidentiality of data amongst staff.
Manage reporting, including submission of project deliverables and periodic and final reports, in a timely manner and ensure that all reporting is submitted using the required format.
Write publications and present at conferences.
Respond to routine communication.
Promote our PPIE within and outside the Maudsley BRC using a range of media.
Communicate complex information, verbally, in writing and electronically.
Build internal contacts and participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future collaborations.
Liaise with the theme co-leads, senior Maudsley BRC management and our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion lead.
The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.
Skills, knowledge and experience
Essential criteria
1. PhD
2. Demonstrable commitment to service user involvement.
3. Strong planning and organisational skills including the ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks.
4. Proven ability to deliver to performance criteria.
5. Experience in designing mental health research, including conducting appropriate analyses.
6. Experience in writing research protocols and funding applications.
7. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate complex information accessibly and in different formats.
8. Experience in project management relevant to mental health research.
9. Experience in writing academic papers.
10. Understanding of equitable opportunity issues as they may affect research.
Desirable criteria
1. First-hand experience of significant mental distress or using mental health services.
2. Experience of successfully recruiting participants.
3. Experience of developing and delivering Patient and Public Involvement Engagement (PPIE) activities and/or events.
4. Experience of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.
Further information
This post is suitable for a highly organised and motivated post-doctoral researcher. Applicants should have a strong track record in designing appropriate quantitative and qualitative research studies, and evidence of staff and/or project management skills. Applicants should also be skilled in liaising and communicating with a wide range of people and be adept in updating on progress and outcomes in a range of formats.
This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service and Occupational Health clearance.

Please refer the Job description for details