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Job overview

The R&D Department is an integral part of the Trust’s services using high quality research evidence to improve the quality and value of care.

The Research & Development Department have 2 fixed term/secondment opportunities for motivated individuals interested in working as a Band 5 Research Assistant to support the delivery of the 'Feeling Safer' research study. 

1 x Full time - Fixed term/secondment until 31st October 2026 (Weekly hours decreasing to 18.75 (0.5 WTE) from 01st July 2026 to 31st October 2026.

1 x Full time – Fixed term/secondment until 30th November 2025.

These are exciting opportunities to join the multi-site research team undertaking a randomised controlled trial evaluating Feeling Safer an intervention for people with persecutory delusions. The Feeling Safer intervention follows the logic of the original Feeling Safe intervention which has been proven highly effective in clinical trials. In this new NIHR-funded programme of research Professor Daniel Freeman and team at the University of Oxford have created a new six-month guided online programme delivery. It is an accessible and expanded version of the face-to-face Feeling Safe therapy. Users can access Feeling Safer whenever they choose via smartphone/computer/or tablet. The Feeling Safer trial will now test the intervention in NHS mental health services at six sites across England. 

Main duties of the job

By providing Feeling Safe in an accessible version for use across the NHS, we aim to achieve substantially improved outcomes for the large number of people with persecutory delusions who have not responded sufficiently to current treatment.

The successful applicants will be required to coordinate and deliver the 'Feeling Safer' research study including tasks such as recruiting research participants, collecting data, maintaining research documentation, communicating with stakeholders, carrying out study assessments and managing study deadlines. Candidates will be expected to have experience of working with people with mental health support requirements. Candidates must also have excellent interpersonal, oral, organisational and written communication skills.

This post would be particularly suitable for someone seeking a career in clinical research. Strong support for personal and professional development will be available, including clinical supervision.

The successful applicants will work closely with the trial manager, principal investigator and the R&D department staff.  They will also liaise with professionals working in clinics and other NHS services to recruit participants and facilitate the trial.  The researcher will be based at either Foss Park Hospital, York or Flatts Centre, Middlesbrough but will need to work and liaise with the lead research team based in Oxford.  Willingness and ability to travel is therefore a necessary part of this role.

Working for our organisation

We are committed to co-creating safe and personalised care that improves the lives of people by involving them as equal partners. The most important way we will get there is by living our values, all of the time.
Staff will be expected to display the Trust values at all times, working as part of the collective leadership team with shared accountability and responsibility for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of patient care is delivered in a patient centred manner. They will also contribute to ensuring the culture of our services is built upon the Trust Values and the trust's strategy - Our Journey To change (OJTC).

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the United Kingdom (UK) are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. Please note that from January 2021, to work in the UK all candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) nationals require sponsorship unless you have permission to work via another route. Non UK / RoI candidates wishing to apply can self-assess the likelihood of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship here Browse: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Please provide full and accurate details of your current immigration status on the application form. Overseas applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided in continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).  Your current immigration status will not be considered as part of the shortlisting or interview process.

Please note that not everyone needs a ‘Skilled Worker’ visa. If you are applying for a vacancy in health or adult social care, you may be eligible to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa instead.

We are able to offer sponsorship for a Health and Care Worker or Skilled Worker visa, subject to candidate and position eligibility. Please review the job eligibility guidance for skilled workers here: Skilled Worker visa: Your job - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and for the Health and Care Worker visa here: Skilled Worker visa: eligible healthcare and education jobs - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Please note: if the job you are applying for does not meet the eligibility criteria above, we will be unable to offer you sponsorship and you will need to explore whether you may be eligible to apply for an alternative immigration route which will secure your right to work in the UK before you apply.  If you are in the UK already on a visa, please ensure you have no restrictions that would prevent you from taking this post.