Research Fellow in PIMS - School of Psychology

Research Fellow in PIMS - 81994

School of Psychology

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Grade 7.

Part time 0.4 FTE. FTC for up to 12 months

Closing date: 22nd September 2019

Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory DBS clearance prior to appointment.

PIMS: Psychosis Immune Mechanism Stratified Medicine Study is an MRC funded investigation of the role of immune dysfunctionon; the IL-6/IL-6R pathway as potential therapeutic targets for schizophrenia. In linked work packages we will use clinical and epidemiological samples to identify illness stage and symptom dimensions most closely linked with inflammation. This work will inform a randomised experimental medicine study of IL-6 inhibition in selected patients with psychosis. The Research Fellow in Birmingham will support the Chief Investigator throughout the study, and in particular collation and examination of exisiting clinical and epidimeiological samples, structural brain imaging in the first 18 months. This will be followed by detailed development of the clinical trial protocol, superivision of research assistant and other study team members throught the experimental medicine study, multisite data collation, brain imaging protocols and analysis, final outputs and dissemination.

The RF will create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within this established research programme and specific research project.

Summary of role

• Work within the PIMS research grants and projects and contribute to writing summary reports, dissemination and downstream bids
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Collation of clinical and epidemiological data for first WP's
• Analyse and interpretation of data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within the PIMS project.
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader.
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines

Person specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort

We value diversity at The University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community'. Valuing excellence; sustaining investment