Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Research Assistant
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Job Overview
The post is an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant to work on the BOOST-3 trial. BOOST-3 is a randomised controlled trial aiming to evaluate the efficacy, mediators, and targeting of the video feedback intervention for positive parenting, for mothers and birthing persons with moderate to severe non-psychotic perinatal mental health difficulties, and their babies. The project is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation Programme Grant scheme. It is conducted in collaboration with City, St George’s University of London, and you will work closely with the Chief Investigator, Dr Kirsten Barnicot.
Main Duties of the Job
The post will commence in September 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The postholder will carry out patient recruitment and data collection for the trial across participating perinatal mental health and parent-infant services. The post will involve office-based working alongside travel to clinical sites and participants’ homes. You will also have contact with perinatal services.
You must be able and willing to travel by public transport and by car between sites in/around London and the South East, and able and willing to work outside office hours as needed (including evenings).
Working for our Organisation
CNWL are passionate about delivering first-class patient-centred, safe, and effective care, whether it is in a hospital setting, in a community clinic, or in the patient’s own home. Patients are at the heart of everything we do.
Providing top-quality care depends on our ability to employ the best people. We’re always looking to recruit outstanding people who will go the extra mile to support our patients, colleagues, teams, and the Trust.
The postholder will work with our Perinatal Mental Health services who offer specialist assessment, treatment, and advice to people experiencing mental health difficulties during pregnancy and within the first year after delivery. We provide services in the boroughs of Brent, Harrow, Hillingdon, Milton Keynes, Kensington and Chelsea, and Westminster.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
Please note: This vacancy does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker sponsorship, unless you meet the criteria by temporary exemption from current changes to immigration rules put in force on 22/07/2025. “Separate provisions are applied to workers who have been sponsored and continuously held a Skilled Worker visa since prior to 04/04/2024."
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As such, if you don’t meet the Transitional Provision (above) we are unable to consider your application unless you can provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the United Kingdom. If you believe you are eligible for sponsorship or already hold a valid right to work in the UK, please ensure you provide full details of your immigration status in the Pre-Screening Immigration section of your application form.
Please note role eligibility also depends on whether the role meets the salary threshold for the relevant occupational code (SOC CODE).
For further info, please visit: Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK
The postholder will carry out patient recruitment and data collection for the trial across participating perinatal mental health and parent-infant services. The post will involve office-based working alongside travel to clinical sites and participants’ homes.
- To carry out patient recruitment and data collection for the trial across participating perinatal mental health and parent-infant services in the region.
- To ensure the trial is conducted in accordance with GCP and other applicable legislation for Clinical Trials, and the General Data Protection Regulation
- To assist with monitoring the trial progress to ensure adherence to the project plan and to identify, evaluate, and rectify problems at trial sites as soon as they arise.
- To establish and maintain close working relationships with participating perinatal mental health and parent-infant services in the region.
- To work across participating perinatal mental health and parent-infant services to recruit mothers and birthing persons.
- To regularly update the central project team about progress and issues occurring at the sites.
- To troubleshoot any issues occurring at the sites.
- To systematically screen participant flow through the sites.
- Conduct baseline and follow-up outcome assessments with mothers and birthing persons and their babies.
- Data entry.
- To work with the lived experience researcher to support patient and public involvement in the project.
- Analyse video recordings of parent-infant interaction using standardised observational measures [full training will be provided].
- Analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data.
- Maintaining essential trial documentation including the Trial Master File.
- To assist with preparation of reports including to the ethics committee and the funder.
- To deliver presentations (e.g., at workshops and conferences).
- To contribute to project meetings, assisting with agendas and other documentation.
- Contribute to writing up the findings of research for reporting purposes and for publication.
- Work in accordance with professional guidelines and complying with relevant requirements of Research Governance.
- Contribute to the overall activities of the project team as required.
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Person Specification
Education And Qualifications
Essential criteria
- First degree in health or social science (e.g., psychology, sociology, nursing).
Experience
Essential criteria
- Experience working with people with mental health problems.
- Experience of working with children, parents, and/or NHS staff.
- Experience of conducting and delivering high-quality quantitative and/or qualitative research.
- A sound knowledge of the principles of Good Clinical Practice.
Desirable criteria
- Experience of HRA, ethics, and other regulatory frameworks.
- Experience of working on clinical trials.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential criteria
- In-depth awareness of key research issues for parents using mental health services.
- Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Good IT and computer skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Ability to self-organise and work highly independently in a clinical site.
- Ability to identify problems early and to troubleshoot.
- Excellent presentation and writing skills.
Desirable criteria
- Experience in managing research and recruitment at NHS sites.
Attitudes, Aptitudes, Personal Characteristics
Essential criteria
- Attention to detail, accuracy of work.
- Highly self-motivated and hard-working.
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