Background
The post is an exciting opportunity for a Research Fellow 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:
Responsibilities
The post will commence in March 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The postholder will coordinate the trial across perinatal mental health and parent-infant services. They will be responsible for managing regulatory approvals, setting up the study at sites, managing a team of research assistants across the UK, recruiting service-users from participating services, and collecting outcome data. The post will involve office-based working alongside travel to clinical sites and participants’ homes. This will require flexible working, travel to sites in or near Greater London, and occasional work outside of office hours.
Main Responsibilities
* To be responsible for the day-to-day management of the trial across perinatal mental health and parent-infant services across the United Kingdom.
* To ensure the trial is conducted in accordance with GCP and other applicable legislation for Clinical Trials, and the General Data Protection Regulation
* To monitor 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 oversee the work of the Research Assistants based at sites across the United Kingdom.
* To train site staff in relevant trials procedures and protocols
* To act as the first point of contact for external enquiries about the project
* To establish and maintain close working relationships with perinatal mental health and parent-infant services across the United Kingdom.
* 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 lead preparation of reports including to the ethics committee and the funder
* To deliver presentations (e.g. at workshops and conferences)
* To lead project meetings, taking responsibility for 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.
* To recruit additional study sites if necessary.
* Contribute to the overall activities of the project team as required.
* To support other projects being run by the team.
* Participate in, and contribute to, ongoing professional development activities of the School of Health and Medical Sciences.
We welcome applications from candidates with lived experience.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential:
First degree in health or social science (i.e. psychology, sociology, clinical studies).
PhD (or close to completion) in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience in research setting.
Experience/knowledge
Essential:
Experience working with people with mental health problems.
Experience of working with children, parents and NHS staff.
Experience of conducting and delivering high quality quantitative research.
Experience of HRA, ethics and other regulatory frameworks.
Experience of working on clinical trials.
A sound knowledge of the principles of Good Clinical Practice.
Desirable:
Experience of conducting and delivering high quality qualitative research.
Track record of peer-reviewed publications.
Skills and abilities
Essential:
Attention to detail, accuracy of work.
Experience in managing complex research, recruitment and induction of new sites.
In depth awareness of key research issues for parents using mental health services.
Highly self-motivated and hard working.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Demonstrate excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
Ability to self organise and work highly independently in a clinical site.
Ability to identify problems early and to troubleshoot.
Good IT and computer skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and aptitude for enabling people with mental health problems and their babies to support and participate in research.
Excellent presentation and writing skills.
Excellent organisational skills for the coordination of a complex multisite study with tight deadlines.
Ability to respect and communicate confidential information in a sensitive and effective manner.
Proven record of ability to manage time, organise and prioritise workload and work to strict deadlines.
Additional attributes
Able and willing to travel between sites in/around London .
Able and willing to work outside of office hours as needed (including evenings).
Committed to own career development.
Desirable:
Ability to identify opportunities for self-development and promotion of the School of Health and Medical Sciences.