Would you like to gain valuable research experience in mental health research? We are advertising for a Julia Anderson Mental Health Trainee to join our team in January 2026.
The provides individuals who are at the early stage of their career with hands-on experience working on projects or activities conducted by the
The Institute comprises a multidisciplinary team of over 200 clinicians, engineers, scientists, psychologists, policy analysts, data specialists, healthcare managers, economists, industrial designers and entrepreneurs all focused on the co-creation and diffusion of healthcare innovation to tackle some of the most pressing global challenges facing mankind today.
The Mental Health Trainee’s main focus will be to support the (PSRC) team on a project exploring the transition between Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS). This work will assess the patient safety concerns and risks during the transition between CAMHS and AMHS. Specifically, it will assess whether a digital intervention is effective in improving the safety, quality, and consistency of transitions. The successful trainee will gain hands-on experience supporting the innovative co-production in mental health research activity within IGHI and receive mentorship and support from IGHI throughout their placement.
Being a Julia Anderson Trainee with the NIHR North West London Patient Safety Research Collaboration and IGHI will provide you with exciting opportunities and benefits. Prior work experience in mental health is not required.
1. You will work alongside key staff within the IGHI PSRC and the School of Public Health teams, supporting the project to explore the patient safety concerns and risks during the transition between CAMHS and AMHS
2. You will support the day-to-day running of the project with mentorship from the Research Associate in Digital Mental Health and other project team members
3. You will contribute to new learning and knowledge in the field of co-production in mental health research
4. You will conduct a background literature review on the topic
5. You will assist with refining the protocol for the project
6. You will work on the preparation and submission of ethics application documents, such as the consent form, protocol document, Participant Information Sheet, and advertisements for participants to participate in the research
7. You will assist with the organisation, preparation and delivery of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) workshops
8. Work together with other young people and the rest of the research team
9. Support writing up an academic paper and/or blog that will be published in an academic journal and on the IGHI website
10. To undertake administrative and research management tasks such as taking meeting notes and organising meetings
You should be due to complete or have already completed an undergraduate or postgraduate certificate or programme in a relevant degree program (such as psychology, mental health, public health, healthcare, health sciences, neuroscience) and have not completed an internship or graduate programme previously. You will have a keen interest in young people’s mental health and co-production. The ability to build effective working relationships with a diverse range of people, including working inclusively and as part of a team are paramount. Good interpersonal skills, and the ability to demonstrate empathy and compassion will be key to the role. You will also be interested in developing and learning new skills – particularly in qualitative research design and co-production. You do not need to have experience in research or in preparing protocol documents, ethics applications, or in conducting literature reviews.
This training will be provided in the role.
This training post would suit someone who:
11. Would like to gain valuable research experience in mental health research
12. Likes communicating with people (., interviewing people, working with other people, and taking part in social activities)
13. Is empathetic and has experience volunteering in mental health charities or working with young people
14. Has lived experience of mental health difficulties
And has interest in:
15. Young people’s mental health
16. Co-production by working in partnership with young people with lived experience of mental health difficulties
17. Qualitative data and/or mixed methods research development
18. The opportunity to develop new skills in qualitative research design
19. The opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of co-production through on-the-job training
20. The opportunity to develop new skills in the preparation of an ethics application for research, as well as new skills in developing a research protocol
21. The opportunity to develop transferable skills into other health-related research
22. Network building opportunities with West London NHS Trust, and other departments at Imperial College London
23. Gain experience working in a multidisciplinary team of researchers, clinical staff, and patient and public partners
24. Gain experience working in an institute that delivers internationally leading health innovation programmes, influencing policy and mental health solutions
25. A meaningful paid work experience
26. Mentoring
27. Upon successful completion, the opportunity to receive references to include on your CV
28. Being a part of a cohort of supportive trainees
29. The opportunity to gain experience working at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
30. Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work culture with various and resources designed to support your personal and professional .