Programme Officer

Research assistant - high risk obstetrics, clinical background

Candidate required for systematic review of the literature and development of a measurement and evaluation framework for policy in maternity care 

MSc or above

MSc level qualification and above

Experience in high risk obstetrics research

Training in systematic reviewing

Policy engagement experience required

Are you an experienced Research Assistant with a passion to improve child and adolescent mental health? Then this role might be of interest to you.

We are looking for a motivated, diligent and enthusiastic Research Assistant to work on a study focusing on the prevention of depression in children and young people. In this role, you will be working on a feasibility study of a brief self-help intervention that aims to prevent depression in adolescents and young adults. You will be part of an ambitious research programme that aims to advance our understanding on the targeting, personalisation and implementation of depression and anxiety prevention interventions for children and young people.

You will be working on coordinating the data collection for the study as well as focusing on qualitative and quantitative data analysis of the results and assisting with the write-up of the manuscript. You will also be the go-to person for administrative queries regarding the study, including ensuring the study runs smooth and on time. Moreover, you will be actively thinking about opportunities to increase the impact and learning of the project, where feasible.

You will work with the team to make sure our study adheres to the latest guidance and best practice methods for feasibility studies and will help with preparing a manuscript for publication. The Research Assistant will work in the Prevention Matters Lab (www.preventionmatters.co.uk) led by Dr. Breedvelt, and you will be based at the department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience King?s College London. You will be part of working in a dynamic team and have the opportunity to get involved in other projects if time permits, including working with stakeholders to develop an implementation pathway to inform future prevention intervention in the UK. 

We are looking for someone who has a good eye for detail, who is conscientious and has previous research experience especially in data collection (qualitative and quantitative) and research co-ordination.  

You will have great problem solving skills and are able to work independently but will ask for help and input when needed. 

In your application please attach a 2 page CV and a brief statement that describes:

• Your past experience in children and young people's research, specifically working on studies involving qualitative and quantitative primary data collection with children and young people
• Your past experience with writing up manuscripts for peer-review publication
• Any other relevant research experience related to the role
• Your earliest start-date

This is a temporary post, we are looking for someone to start as soon as possible and is able to work for x2 days a week. We are flexible with the days of work, but given that interviews are held on different days some flexibility is required to work around the participant's schedule. 

- MSc in Mental Health Science or related

- BSc in Psychology or related topic

We are open to applicants who are currently conducting a PhD as this role might offer the flexibility to combine this with a PhD project. We are also open to applicants who have recently defended their PhD.

- Expertise in children and young people's mental health research 

- Experience with working with children and young people (preferable)

- Experience with working on qualitative and quantitative research studies involving primary data collection and analysis with children and young people (ideally from start to finish)

- Understanding of legal and data protection frameworks when dealing with sensitive data

- Ability to work independently and as part of a team

- Ability to prioritise tasks and manage a dynamic workload to ensure deadlines are met

- Ability to co-ordinate research activities and support others with their work

- (Some) experience with writing research for academic peer-review publications and communication activities to a broader audience

- Growing understanding of Open Science practices and willingness to learn and develop skills in this area

• Acting as secretary to undergraduate and postgraduate Faculty Assessment Boards, Module Assessment Sub Boards of Examiners, and Appeal Boards, and to support the servicing and organisation of a large volume of Faculty Assessment Board meetings.
• Ensuring that meetings attended are conducted in accordance with the College regulations and that decisions made at those meetings are recorded and communicated as appropriate.
• Providing support and guidance to Faculty Assessment Board and Assessment Sub Board Chairs, with regard to assessment regulations. 
• Preparing and distributing documents for Faculty Assessment Board meetings.
• Liaising with a range of stakeholders, including academic colleagues, to maintain key data sets and files. 
• To respond to queries related to a comprehensive enquiry service for members of academic staff, administrative staff and students, either on the telephone, in writing or in person.

• Educated to Degree Level or Equivalent

• Excellent administrative skills, with high attention to detail. 
• Experience of committee servicing.
• Understanding of regulatory issues in a Higher Education context.
• Ability to develop, articulate and implement policies and procedural systems.
• A proven ability to organise, and plan ahead effectively.
• Good interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures and their application in a Higher Education context. 
• Experience of working in Higher Education.
• Experience of minute-taking and servicing meetings.
• Experience of providing guidance and training on complex policies and procedures, to a wide range of audiences. 
• Experience of compiling and interpreting management information. 
• Sound knowledge of Microsoft Office suite including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint and Outlook and ability to learn new systems quickly and competently.