Job Summary
We are looking to appoint a motivated research assistant to work on the exciting NIHR-funded study Mouth Matters in Mental Health 2. People with severe mental health difficulties (e.g. psychosis, bipolar disorder) often experience poor oral health and find it difficult to attend the dentist. This project aims to improve access to dental services in people with severe mental health difficulties. Our ultimate aim is to reduce health inequalities in people with mental health difficulties.
This is an excellent opportunity to develop research and clinical skills, and work with a multidisciplinary research team that includes clinical psychologists, mental health nurses, and dentists. The position is full time for 36 months and could be a secondment or fixed-term contract. We are keen to support the ongoing career development of the post holder.
Main duties of the job
The post-holder will work closely with the study site lead (Dr Robert Griffiths) and other members of the project team to support the delivery of this project. Amongst other activities, the post-holder will play a key role in promoting the study amongst key stakeholders (e.g., clinicians and patients), liaising with clinical services, contributing to public and patient involvement and engagement (PPIE) activities, supporting participant recruitment, and data collection and entry
The post-holder will receive line management support fromDr Robert Griffiths (Director GMMH Mental Health Nursing Research Unit and Lecturer in Mental Health, University of Manchester) in Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH). This includes regular line management supervision, clear objective setting for 3, 6 and 12 months and annual appraisals thereafter (depending on continued funding for the post).
About Us
Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over7000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than122locations.
We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford,Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.
Greater Manchester is one of the world's most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options.
Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity.
Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.
Details
Date posted
17 February 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
£27,485 to £30,162 a year Pro rata per annum
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
12 months
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time, Home or remote working
Reference number
Job locations
Central Park - Building B - 1st floor R&I office
Northampton Road
Manchester
M40 5BP
Job Description
Job responsibilities
Staff Benefits
See attached detailed job description and person specification:
Pay Enhancements 30% additional for Evenings (8pm onwards) and Saturdays and 60% additional for Sundays and Bank holidays.
27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
Excellent pension
Cycle to work scheme
Salary sacrifice car scheme
Wellbeing programme
Blue Light Card Discounts
Job description
Staff Benefits
Pay Enhancements 30% additional for Evenings (8pm onwards) and Saturdays and 60% additional for Sundays and Bank holidays.
27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
Excellent pension
Cycle to work scheme
Salary sacrifice car scheme
Wellbeing programme
Blue Light Card Discounts
Person Specification
Essential
Education/Qualifications
Good honours degree in psychology (at least 2:1).
Desirable
Masters in relevant subject or master's in research (MRes).
Essential
Experience
Experience of conducting research
Experience of collecting and analysing qualitative data
Desirable
Have experience in Patient & Public Involvement (PPI) in a research setting
Knowledge
Essential
Have knowledge of research design
Knowledge of research methods, including, data collection and analysis
Good understanding of safeguarding vulnerable people
Desirable
Knowledge regarding psychological approaches to severe mental illness.
Essential
Skills and Abilities
Ability to conduct literature searches.
Ability to work collaboratively as a team player and liaise with a variety of other personnel within health and social services and with community members
Ability to use statistical software e.g. SPSS
Good presentation skills in both formal and informal settings
Essential
Other
To be able to communicate effectively with service users, relatives, carers, community members and a range of professionals and non-academics (verbally and in writing).
Person Specification
Essential
To be able to communicate effectively with service users, relatives, carers, community members and a range of professionals and non-academics (verbally and in writing).
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Central Park - Building B - 1st floor R&I office
Northampton Road
Manchester
M40 5BP
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Central Park - Building B - 1st floor R&I office
Northampton Road
Manchester
M40 5BP
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
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