Clinical Research Fellow - School of Psychology

Clinical Research Fellow - 59759J2

School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £40,792 to £48,677, with potential progression once in post to £54,765

Grade 8

Part time 0.2 FTE

FTC to cover Maternity Leave until end of February 2020

Closing date: 9th September 2019

Summary of Role

We are looking for a GMC registered (ST4-6 post membership) individual to work, on a part-time basis, to assist with psychopharmacology research studies being run in the School of Psychology in the laboratories of Dr Joseph Galea, Dr Jennifer Cook and Professor Suzanne Higgs. The healthy, young participants in these studies will take low-risk, well-established prescription drugs, with minimal side-effects (e.g. methylphenidate, haloperidol); the effects of these drugs will be examined using computerised cognitive and motor tasks. We are looking for a GMC registered individual to carry out a health screen and electrocardiogram with all participants before prescribing the drug. In addition, they would need to be present in the School of Psychology on study days to advise in the case of any side-effects.

We are looking for someone to start in September/October 2019 however, this is negotiable. Also, there is a degree of flexibility associated with this role, here we offer a 1-day per week contract, however, this can be adjusted to suit the postholder. We anticipate the post-holder having the opportunity to pursue their own research career (e.g. writing publications and submitting grants/fellowship applications). Prof Matthew Broome will provide clinical supervision for this role, and there will be opportunities to continue clinical work at University Hospital Birmingham (Queen Elizabeth).

In addition to gaining research experience, the post-holder's contribution will be recognised with co-authorship on academic papers. The principal investigators of these projects currently hold prestigious 5-year ERC research grants and BBSRC project grants and publish regularly in high-impact journals such as Nature Neuroscience, Brain, Current Biology and eLife.

We are very keen to discuss this possibility with interested individuals and are flexible with respect to the way in which this position is filled.

Main Duties/Responsibilities

Primary duties will include:

• Conducting health screen interviews and electrocardiogram assessments with all research participants.
• Prescribing drugs to research participants.
• Being present in the School of Psychology on study days to advise in the case of any side-effects.
• Developing (with Dr Galea, Dr Cook and Professor Higgs) a plan of action in case of side-effects and following this plan in a responsible manner.
• Contribute to some administrative activities within the University, typically relating to research

In addition, the post-holder may pursue their personal research including developing research ideas and winning support, including financial support.

Person Specification

• GMC registered (ST4-6 post membership)
• Previous experience with academic research is welcomed but not essential

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