Job overview
We are looking for a motivated and diligent Research Assistant to support the NIHR-funded Improving Social Recovery in Psychosis (ISRIP) trial. The ISRIP trial is a definitive randomised controlled trial with an embedded process evaluation. The trial aims to test the clinical and cost-effectiveness of Social Recovery Therapy (SRT), a psychological intervention designed to support people who have experienced psychosis to engage in more structured activities that they find meaningful
Main duties of the job
The post starts in April 2026. The successful applicant will lead on recruitment and data collection for a trial. This will involve liaising with clinical teams, meeting potential participants, conducting clinical assessments (e.g. interviews, self-report measures) and managing data. The post-holder will receive clinical supervision and training from experienced clinical academics (e.g. Clinical Psychologists) working in the field of mental health research
Working for our organisation
You will be supporting the delivery of high quality NIHR-funded research. On a daily basis you will be responsible for all aspects of the research process including but not limited to: engaging with clinical teams, assessing participant suitability for the studies, screening and recruiting research participants, obtaining informed consent, performing study procedures, working with research teams and managing study data. A crucial aspect of the role is to provide a holistic and person-centred care approach to participants and their family supporters in a respectful, empowering way.
It is essential that you can independently plan and prioritise your workload to meet performance targets and deadlines. It is important that you have had experience of working in a clinical or research setting similar to the areas you will be working with in these studies. A high level of communication skills, both written and oral is essential as well as the ability to be competent in IT systems (e.g. Outlook, Word, clinical or other record systems relevant to the role).
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the main job description and person specification for full details of this post in the attached documents
Person specification
Education / Qualifications
Essential criteria
* Degree in a health or social science
Desirable criteria
* Current Good Clinical Practice certificate
* Master’s degree in psychology or other relevant field
Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Knowledge of mental health problems and their treatment through clinical experience and training
* Understanding of risk management procedures within research
* Understanding of confidentiality and data protection within the NHS and/or other healthcare setting/clinical organisation
* Knowledge of research methodologies
Desirable criteria
* Knowledge of emotional disorders
* Knowledge of research ethics and obtaining informed consent.
* Knowledge of the principles of GCP
* Knowledge of research methodologies
Skills & Abilities
Essential criteria
* Can demonstrate support for the values and beliefs of the mental health services those of the Trust.
* Able to participate in and contribute to multidisciplinary team discussions
* Computer skills including Database / Internet skills
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills
* Ability to manage challenging conversations with research participants
* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and members of the Multidisciplinary Team
* IT Skills, including Microsoft Office
* Sensitivity to the diverse needs of those who have been referred to mental Health services.
* Strong organisational and planning skills.
Desirable criteria
* Strong skills in administrating psychological assessments (interviews, questionnaires) with clinical populations
* Good skills with risk management
Work Related Circumstances
Essential criteria
* Mobility to travel across sites.
* Punctual and flexible across hours of work when required.
* Use of a car or access to a means of mobility to travel across the Trust footprint in line with service needs
* Willing to carry out all duties and responsibilities of the post in accordance with the Trust’s Equal Opportunities and Equality and Diversity policies
* Appointments to regulated and controlled activities require an enhanced DBS disclosure.
Experience
Essential criteria
* Experience of working clinically in a mental health setting with service user contact
* Experience of conducting research
Desirable criteria
* Experience of working in an adult mental health setting (or equivalent)
* Demonstrable administration experience
* Experience of relevant research.
* Prior experience working as a research assistant or equivalent
* Prior experience working on a clinical trial
📝 Application support - We also offer virtual application support sessions each month, where you will learn some hints and tips to support you in completing your application form. To secure your place, and to find out more visit the on our website.
🌍 Sponsorship Information - We are an approved sponsoring organisation. Applications will be considered from applicants requiring sponsorship alongside all other applications. Please be aware, not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible role and requirements on the
📬 After You Apply - Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive updates via email. Shortlisting is based on how well you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, and invitations will be sent by email.
✅ If You're Offered the Role - If successful, the hiring manager will contact you directly with a verbal offer. They will then notify the Recruitment Team and submit the necessary paperwork. You’ll receive a formal conditional offer via email
🔍 Pre-Employment Checks - To confirm your suitability for the role, we will carry out pre-employment checks in line with. These include:
* Identity verification
* Right to work check
* Disclosure and barring service (DBS)/Criminal record check (dependent on role)
* Professional registration and/or qualification check
* Occupational health assessment
* Employment history and reference validation
All applicants external to Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust will be required to provide their to cover the most recent three years employment. This information will used to validate employment history and references.
If you require sponsorship, we will assess your eligibility based on current If the role is not eligible and you cannot demonstrate your right to work, your conditional offer may be withdrawn.
🚀 Once Checks Are Complete -
The Recruitment Team will coordinate with you and the hiring manager to confirm a start date. You’ll be booked onto a Trust Welcome Session and receive your Pennine Care NHS Terms and Conditions.
📣 Additional Information -
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds to help us grow, innovate, and improve.
If you wish to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the role.
If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us on 0161 716 3181 as early as possible so we can support you.
Please note:
* We do not accept unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies. Hiring managers should not be contacted directly.
* We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. If you have a disability or long‑term health condition and need extra time or adjustments to complete your application, please contact us as soon as possible. We will ensure you are not disadvantaged where a reasonable adjustment is appropriate.