Research Assistant

View All VacanciesResearch AssistantClinical ProfessionsLocationBedford Square, LondonSalary£34,670 to £40,284 per annum pro rata - including London AllowanceFixed Term / Part TimePost TypePart TimeHours per Week17.5Weeks per Year52Closing Date23.59 hours GMT on Thursday 30 October 2025Reference1025-263Right to work: Please note that it will not be possible for the University to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship to the successful candidate for this position. Therefore, the appointable candidate will need to be eligible to work in the UK or have leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with the University, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.Part time, Fixed-TermApplicants are invited to the Research Assistant post in the Department of Psychology, supervised within the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology programme.Around one third of young people experience elevated suspicious thoughts and paranoid ideation. “Treating Unhelpful Suspicious Thoughts in teenagers (TRUST): A schools-based feasibility randomised controlled clinical trial for adolescents (16-18 years) with elevated paranoia” is an NIHR funded randomised controlled trial led by Dr Jessica Kingston (RHUL, lead contact, Jessica.kingston@rhul.ac.uk) and Dr Christopher Taylor (UoS), Joint Chief Investigators. The successful applicant will join a research team lead by Dr Jessica Kingston and Dr Christopher Tayor (co-PIs) alongside the co-investigator team: Professor Richard Bentall, Dr Victoria Pile, Katie Biggs, Dr Harry Hill, Esther Herbert and a strong patient public involvement team.Under the supervision of the Joint CIs, we are seeking an enthusiastic research assistant to be the onsite research lead for the schools-based therapy trial. The role involves: on-boarding schools, recruiting schools and participants, screening and conducting detailed eligibility assessments with potential participants, consenting adolescent participants, compiling datasets, working with PPI consultants and the research team, drafting reports, working with the project team to write up the results. The post-holder will be responsible under supervision for running all research aspects of this schools-based trial hosted at Pennine Care NHS FT. This specific post requires regular attendance at schools, colleges and/or Sixth Forms in the London area. For this reason, we are seeking a candidate who is local to the London area.The successful applicant will gain high quality training within paranoia and clinical psychology research, and delivery of semi-structured psychosocial assessments, receive weekly supervision and work on a trial that will advance the field of adolescent paranoia research. The post would suit an individual interested in pursuing a career in clinical psychology or clinical research (and we have excellent track record of supporting colleagues to progress in these careers).Main Duties And ResponsibilitiesUnder the supervision of the PI, to be responsible for setting up and running the trial in London Secondary Schools and the surrounding area. Specifically, this will include:Approach and develop relationships with and on-boarding schools, including skilled liaison with senior leadership teams within schools. Visiting school sites to establish procedures, set up recruitment, screen whole classes, manage consent processes Lead on communications about the trial, with potential participants, schools, PI and research team, and PPI consultants.Develop questionnaires on Qualtrics, scoring and following up with potential participants.Conduct detailed eligibility psychosocial assessments which will include (following training and under supervision of the PIs) conducting clinical and risk assessment and being responsible for determining eligibility of participants. Develop and maintain a reliable and permanent record of participant flow through the study and all research aspects of the trial, ensuring compliance with ethical and safeguarding policies Manage project data including collection of back up data and data entry in a timely manner.Develop an anonymous database to compile data through the trial.Store and organise data in line with GDPR and Ethics protocols and research governance.Conduct follow-up assessments with participants ensuring the trial keeps to time.Manage and support resources including transfer of dataTo contribute to the preparation and presentation of findings of research activity to colleagues and at scientific meetings.Results will be disseminated in scientific meetings. The post-holder may have an opportunity to present findings at scientific meetings.To contribute to the overall activities of the research team and the School as appropriate.The post-holder will be required to contribute to scientific discussion in laboratory meetings, advise students about planning of experiments, and offer advice on the analysis and interpretation of results.To contribute to the induction and direction of other research staff and students if so requested by the Principal Investigator.New staff and students that may join the laboratory in the future will need to be introduced to practicalities of using specific equipment and software for experiments.Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the postEssential criteriaA good honours degree in a relevant subject (2:1 or above; or 2:2 plus strong performance at MSc) (assessed at: application/interview)Knowledge of Psychological Research TechniquesBasic research skillsTraining in quantitative research methodsAbility to communicate sometimes complex information to a range of scientific and non-scientific audiencesExcellent organisational skillsExcellent engagement and communication/interpersonal skillsComputer literate in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerpointExperience of working in a research environmentExperience of interdisciplinary workingIn return we offer a highly competitive rewards and benefits package including:Generous annual leave entitlement Training and Development opportunitiesPension Scheme with generous employer contribution Various schemes including Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans and help with the cost of Eyesight testing. Free parking The post holder will be based primarily at Bedford Square, London, and will work mainly in London schools. They may occasionally be required to attend meetings at the Egham campus (TW20 0EX)For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Jessica.kingsgton@rhul.ac.ukFor queries on the application process the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at: recruitment@rhul.ac.ukPlease quote the reference: 1025-263Closing Date: 23:59, 30 October 2025Interview Date: To be confirmedFurther details: Job Description & Person Specification Email details to a friendApply OnlineThis position is not eligible for hybrid working.Royal Holloway is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and encourages applications from all people regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, parental status, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or trans status or history. More information on our structures and initiatives around EDI, including information on staff diversity networks, can be found on our Equality and Diversity Intranet page.