Research Associate Mental Health Mission MTC - Mechanisms and Mood Disorders - School of PsychologyGrade 6

Position Details

School of Psychology

Location: University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range 32546 to 35116 with potential progression once in post to 39355

Grade: 6

Part Time 7.5 hours per week)

Fixed Term contract up to October 2025

2 positions available

Closing date: 16th April 2025

UK travel may be required for this role

Background

We are seeking to appoint a Research Associate to join our active and vibrant mood disorders research group. The post holder will support academic outputs and clinically relevant scientific insights aligned to the NIHR funded Mental Health Mission Midlands Translational Centre (MHMTC) to conduct original research and work within a growing team of translational researchers. We are offering two parttime positions 20%FTE) until October 2025.

The MHMTC is led by Professor Matthew Broome (Institute for Mental Health and Birmingham Womens and Childrens NHS Foundation Trust (BWC) and CoDirected by Professor Steven Marwaha (Institute for Mental Health and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (BSMHFT).

The aim of the MHMTC is to accelerate regional mental health research capacity and reengage industry with initial focus on new precision interventions for Early Psychosis (EP) and Mood Disorders within the context of a young superdiverse deprived population.

The researcher will contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking activities focusing broadly on mood disorders and the mechanisms of onset relapse and treatment.

One of the posts will be particularly suited for candidates with specific experience on sleep and mental health while the second post is open to candidates with experience of investigating other mechanisms in mood disorders.

The successful candidates will work closely with Professor Marwaha and Dr Isabel MoralesMuoz within the Mood Disorders theme of the MHMTC.

Role Summary

• Work with the Centre leads and Deputy theme leads to develop and deliver funded objectivesin relation to mood disorders sleep and other mechanisms.
• Plan and coordinate research activities
• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• To work towards deliverable outputs and milestones from the Mental Health Mission Midlands Translational Centre
• Plan and publish high quality research supported in this by the Centre Leads and Deputy leads
• Conduct secondary data analyses. Expertise in big data would be valuable as well as advanced quantitative skills; and experience with secondary data analyses are required
• Contribute to (and potentially lead) the development of new interventions for mood disorders
• Assist in the development and conduct of experimental medicine studies for people with mood disorders
• Take part in the Mood disorders theme group meetings
• Present findings in high quality publications and conference proceedings
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods such as scientific experimentation literature reviews and research interviews
• Analyse research data as directed
• Present research outputs including drafting academic publications or parts thereof for example at seminars and as posters
• Develop or adapt techniques models and methods
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

In addition you may be required to:

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication research seminars etc
• Contribute to developing new models techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School researchrelated activities and researchrelated administration
• Contribute to enterprise business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University often under supervision of a project leader
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines

Person Specification

• Degree or equivalent in relevant subject area
• Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Ability to access and organise resources successfullyKnowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 and how to actively ensure in daytoday activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
• Requirement for DBS Occupational Health Check and awareness of the Data Protection Act (DPA)

Desirable Criteria:

• A higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualification
• High level analytical capability
• Fluency in relevant models techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Coordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort

OH and DBS required

The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice therefore all associated preemployment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Occupational Health and DBS clearance prior to appointment.

Informal enquiries to Shahara Choudhry email:

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyoneon our website.