Job summary
- Main area
- Research
- Grade
- Band 5
- Contract
- 12 months (Fixed term)
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 436-7427841
- Employer
- Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- The Barberry
- Town
- Birmingham
- Salary
- £31,049 - £37,796 per annum, pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 11/09/2025 23:59
Employer heading

Band 5 Research and Development Assistant
Band 5
Please note that this post may close earlier than the indicated closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received.
Job overview
Are you wanting to gain research experience in a thriving, supportive and exciting research department? If so this could be the perfect opportunity for you. We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated, passionate engaging Research and Development Assistant to represent the department and make it everyone's business!
Your main responsibilities for this position are to help to identify mental health service users eligible to take part in a range of research projects, to provide information and support for users involved in research as well as staff and carers, and to ensure data collection is carried out according to study protocols and good clinical practice. The outcomes of the post are that feasible recruitment targets will be met, and on time. Two of the studies you may be involved in are :-
CHIP Study : This study is a mixed method study which is combining collecting quantitative and qualitative data with the aim of improving mental health peer support for children and young people.
Prevalence of neuronal cell surface antibodies in patients with psychotic illness (‘PiPP2 Study’) : This study aims to understand if some cases of psychosis are caused by immune system problems in some people and involves working with Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) services to estimate the prevalence of autoimmune diseases in people with first episode psychosis.
Main duties of the job
See job description for further details on main responsibilities for the role along with person spec
Working for our organisation
Welcome to Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Our 4000 clinical and support staff help us to improve mental health wellbeing and meet the needs of the 70,000 people we serve each year. We provide a range of mental healthcare services across Birmingham and Solihull, as well as specialised services nationally. We also offer medical, nursing and psychology training and are proud of our international reputation for both research and innovation.
Our population is culturally diverse, characterised in places by high levels of deprivation which create an increasing demand for our services and a necessity for us to make sure everyone can access the help they need. We are a team of compassionate, inclusive and committed people working together to provide excellent care to support our community. If you are looking for a place to belong, where you can make a real difference to people’s lives, join our team where our warm welcome is waiting for you.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For further information about the main responsibilities please view the attached job description and person specification.
We highly recommend you submit your application as soon as possible, this post may close earlier than the indicated closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received.
We are unable to support applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work the United Kingdom (UK)
Person specification
Training & Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Degree in Psychology or a relevant healthcare subject OR Health Professional qualification, e.g. Registered Mental Health Nurse or equivalent demonstratable experience
Desirable criteria
- ICH Good Clinical Practice Phlebotomy training
Experience
Essential criteria
- Formal research training (this may be as part of a degree course) or demonstratable experience
- At least one years experience of working in a research setting or NHS setting (this can be voluntary or paid employment)
Desirable criteria
- Experience of running concurrent research studies with minimal supervision according to good clinical practice guidelines
Skills/Knowledge
Essential criteria
- Excellent computer skills.
- Excellent organisational and presentation skills.
- The ability to establish appropriate documentation and record keeping.
- Willingness and ability to travel around the geographical area covered by the Hub.
Desirable criteria
- Proven project management skills
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Amanda Cotterill
- Job title
- R&D Mental Health Lead Co-ordinator
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 07795303779
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