Research Assistant Job Description

The task of the Research Assistants will be to increase:

1. participation of NHS staff in and
2. service user recruitment to National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) portfolio studies.

Studies include, an observational study looking at the prevalence and importance of unrecognized bipolar disorder among patients prescribed anti-depressant medication.

Advance Directive Evaluation whether people with bipolar disorder are making use of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 to plan in advance for intense phases of the condition

• Assist research groups and the local Principal Investigators in recruiting service users to NIHR studies
• Arrange and chair, with the local Principal Investigator, meetings with mental health practitioners in order to identify eligible service users
• Assist in protocol and funding bid preparation
• Assist in the preparation of submissions for ethics and approvals
• Assist in obtaining study documents and authorising signatures relating to the application for R&D approval to avoid delays
• Keep an accurate record of each participant entering a study (accrual) and ensure this is correctly mapped within the database to the recruiting site
• Liaise with the research group and other appropriate professionals in order to ensure the smooth running of the study
• Be responsible for the storage and collation of project data
• Collect and despatch biological samples eg blood, that may be required for the study,
• Communicate effectively and promptly with the Principal Investigator and other R&D and research team members all issues and concerns relating to research activity and project duties
• Facilitate the ongoing involvement of service user and carer groups and individuals in portfolio research work
• Follow study protocol when arranging invitations to participate for eligible service users
• Undertake supervision and training as directed
• Participate in local and national team meetings as required
• Keep accurate data relevant to the study and according to information governance and protocol requirements
• Adhere to ICH-Good Clinical Practice standards, the Research Governance Framework (DH 2005), national Regulatory requirements (Data Protection Act, Mental Health Act) and Trust standards.
• Undertake other research related duties as agreed with your supervisor.

• Keep accurate data relevant to the study and according to information governance and protocol requirements
• Undertake other research related duties as agreed with your supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Essential
1. First degree level standard of education 2.1 or above in health related discipline or equivalent expertise by experience.
2. Knowledge of the mental health field, by training, education or experience
3. Experience of working well with mental health workers
4. At least one year’s experience of working in the NHS
5. Effective communication skills, both verbal and written
6. An understanding of research process and methodologies
7. Good level of computer literacy
8. Ability to record and check data to ensure accuracy
9. Willingness to seek help, advice and support as required
10. Willingness to work as part of a team
11. Willingness to undergo training as required by the post
12. Understanding of the need for confidentiality in dealing with information.
13. Ability to travel independently to study meetings within West Yorkshire and nationally
14. Ability to work as part of a team
15. Ability to liaise with different groups of people
16. Ability to communicate information to other people effectively
17. Ability to manage day to day work independently
18. Ability to manage time effectively and organise own work

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