Psychology Assistant

Overview

This is an exciting opportunity to take on a new role as a Senior Psychology Assistant on the Brain and Genomics Hub, a high‑profile national project funded by the Medical Research Council in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder. The Senior Psychology Assistant will support the University in the recruitment and co‑ordination of a new cohort, providing advice, guidance and leadership to the project.

The Brain and Genomics Hub is part of a new national initiative for research in severe mental illness and is a large multi‑site research study led by Cardiff University in conjunction with Swansea University, Bristol University, Exeter University, Adferiad Recovery and Bipolar UK.

• To provide professional advice and guidance on participant recruitment processes and procedures, to internal and external customers, using judgement and creativity to suggest the most appropriate course of action and ensuring understanding of complex and conceptual issues.
• To ensure that participant recruitment targets are met, confidentiality and professional standards maintained: and that you work as an effective member.
• Undertake protocol‑based assessments with participants, including self‑report measures, rating scales, semi‑structured interviews, extraction of relevant data from medical records, and obtaining blood and/or saliva samples from participants.
• To participate in the regular team meetings by presenting progress updates and contributing ideas to the recruitment strategy.
• To undertake a variety of administrative tasks such as data collection, recording and maintaining records and data entry, as required for the proficient running on the project.
• To attend national conferences with other members of the research group, to publicise the research and answering queries from potential participants and healthcare professionals.
• To support and contribute to research publications and presentations as required.
• To support and train others in the project team as required.
• Establish working relationships with key contacts, developing appropriate communication links with the University’s Schools/Directorates and outside bodies as required.
• Work closely and effectively with academic, third sector and industry collaborators in order to meet the aims of the project.
• Take responsibility for the performance, development and line management of members of the research team of Psychology Assistants.
• Collaborate with others in order to make recommendations for developments of established processes and procedures.
• Investigate and analyse specific issues within the project, creating and actioning recommendation reports where applicable, as supported by advances within mental health research.
• Supervise specific project teams on an occasional basis to accomplish key objectives.
• Develop and deliver training within the scope of the research of the project collaborating with other research sites involved.
• Instruct and guide other employees across the Division and the University within research site set up and patient recruitment as required, ensuring that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties.
• Abide by University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity.
• Perform other duties occasionally which are not included above, but which will be consistent with the role.