Internal Applicants Only - Research Assistant

This post is currently open to employees of Cardiff University only.  Please do not apply if you do not have a current contract of employment with the University.

Internal Applicants Only - Research Assistant
School of Psychology

We are seeking an enthusiastic Research Assistant to support a Wellcome Trust funded study called DIALOG, which investigates the causes of thought disorder in people with psychosis. Disorganised speech is a major barrier to recovery in psychosis, yet remains poorly understood. This study will collect natural language samples from ~500 people with psychosis, then use large language models (similar to ChatGPT), MEG and MRI to understand its brain mechanisms. This will help us develop a computationally informed, molecular-to-systems-level understanding of disorganisation, and hopefully allow us to identify mechanisms that can be targeted with novel treatments.

As a Research Assistant, you will be responsible for collection, storage and processing of the speech data collected as part of the DIALOG study in Cardiff. DIALOG is a partner project of the UKRI Brain and Genomics Hub. You will therefore work closely with the B-SPRINT team of five research assistants and together be responsible for identifying, screening and recruiting participants for both studies. As part of your role you will be trained to administer the DIALOG speech task, and to operate the MEG and/or MRI scanner. You will be interviewing participants and collecting speech data in and outside of the MEG scanner. You will have a key role in the day-to-day running of the study and will be responsible for maintaining accurate research records. This post will provide hands-on experience of working in two high profile clinical research study DIALOG and B-SPRINT.

The ideal candidate will have experience in participant-facing research including patients with mental health conditions, strong organizational skills, and a keen interest in mental health/ psychosis research. They will work closely with the wider research team, including clinicians, study coordinators, and patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) representatives. This is an opportunity to contribute to a cutting-edge clinical research study that we hope will inform future clinical practice and to work alongside a team dedicated to improving the lives of people with some of our most serious mental illnesses. It would also provide an ideal opportunity for any candidate wishing to undertake a PhD investigating the basis of thought disorder in people living with psychosis.
 
For informal enquiries, please contact Prof Neil HARRISON [email protected] .

This post is part time (24.5 hours per week - 70% FTE), is fixed term for 3.5 years, and is based at CUBRIC, Maindy Road, Cardiff.
 
The majority of roles at Cardiff University are currently operating under “blended working” arrangements, with staff having the flexibility to work partly from home and partly from the University campus depending on specific business requirements. Discussions around these arrangements can take place after the successful candidate has been appointed.

Salary: £33,951 - £36,636 per annum, pro-rata (Grade 5)

Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.

Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave (incl. bank holidays), local pension scheme, a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments within the pay scale, and more. It's an exciting and vibrant place to work with many different challenges and is a proud Living Wage supporter. Business needs will require some degree of office-based working but the balance of time can be spent in the office or remotely (subject to agreement with the line manager).

 

External applications are currently not being considered for this post.  If the decision is made to open the post to external candidates, the strapline at the top will be removed and you will be given ample time to apply – please check back periodically for details.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds.  We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age.  We especially welcome and encourage applications from those from under-represented groups within the University workforce, such as those who identify as LGBT +, Ethnic Minority or those with disabilities. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.