Research Associate (PIMS) School of Psychology 106401 Grade 6
Research Associate (PIMS) School of Psychology 106401 Grade 6
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£ 33002 - 35608
1 Vacancy
Job Description
Position Details
School of Psychology
Location: University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range 33002 to 35608 with potential progression once in post to 39906
Grade: 6
Part Time (18.75 hours per week)
Fixed Term contract up to April 2026
Closing date: 9th October 2025
Background
To assist in research (by carrying out data collection or analyses) to create knowledge through providing research support for projects and research particular you will be part of the Psychosis Immune Mechanism Stratified Medicine (PIMS) trial. The aim of this study is to test whether a particular pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6) contributes to the pathogenesis of psychosis and to examine potential mechanisms by which IL-6 affects psychotic symptoms mood cognition and behaviour. This is a multi-site proof-of-concept study employing randomised parallel-group (1:1) double-blind placebo-controlled design across Birmingham Bristol and Cambridge. Approximately 60 participants with psychosis who have evidence of low-grade inflammation (i.e. IL-6 0.7pg/ml) and inflammation-related symptoms (i.e. anhedonia and amotivation) will be randomised into two groups to receive either one intravenous infusion of normal saline (placebo) or tocilizumab (a humanised monoclonal antibody that inhibits IL-6 signalling and is licensed in the UK for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis). The primary outcome will be anhedonia (i.e. reduced ability to experience or diminished motivation to engage in pleasurable activity). Data on the primary outcome other psychiatric and blood samples will be collected at baseline and 7 14 and 28 days post-infusion. Cognitive and neuroimaging data will be collected at baseline and 14 days post-infusion in Birmingham and addition we will recruit approximately 30 patients with psychosis who do not have evidence of inflammation and 30 people with no history of mental illness.
Role Summary
- Work within specified research grants and/or projects
- Operate within area of specialism
- Focus on meeting recruitment and maintaining accurately recorded research data
- Support day-to-day recruitment and data management
- Contribute to publications
Main Duties
- Collect research data from patients with severe mental illness
- Chair meetings with University partners and linked external stakeholders
- Analyse research data as directed with links to external partners
- Present research outputs including drafting academic publications or parts thereof for example at seminars and as posters
- Maintain site files ethical approvals and study data
- 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
Person Specification
- Degree or equivalent in psychology or neuroscience preferably to Masters level
- Significant practical experience of recruitment in psychosis studies including working with clinical populations
- Practical experience of multi-centre biomarker studies
- Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
- Ability to access and organise resources successfully
- Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 and how to actively ensure in day to day 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)
OH and DBS required
The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice therefore all associated pre-employment 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/or 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.
Required Experience:
IC
Employment Type
Part-Time
