Job summary
- Main area
- Mood disorder- Mental health
- Grade
- Band 5
- Contract
- Fixed term: 18 months (Full time On site)
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week (On site)
- Job ref
- 436-7198299
- Employer
- Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Barberry
- Town
- 25 Vincent Road, Birmingham
- Salary
- £29,970 - £36,483 per annum, pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 10/06/2025 23:59
- Interview date
- 25/06/2025
Employer heading

Band 5 Research Assistant - Mood Disorders
Band 5
Please note that this post may close earlier than the indicated closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received.
Job overview
We are looking to recruit a research assistant will play a key role in the depression research clinic at BSMHT, led by Prof Steven Marwaha. The clinic assesses patients with mood disorders, including treatment resistant depression and bipolar disorder, and manages their treatment during clinical research studies. It is part of a national network of research clinics supported by the NIHR funded Mental Health Mission. The post holder will be responsible for participant recruitment, collecting and collating clinic data activity, routine data collection from patients, administrative support at the clinic and liaison with related clinical services. In addition, the research assistant will assist in the delivery of a new research-ready platform for people with treatment-resistant depression called DECODE.
The post holder will report to the mood disorder project manager and also work closely with the dynamic team of researchers working in the Mood Disorders group headed by Professor Steven Marwaha.
Main duties of the job
The ideal candidate will have experience of supporting projects, recruiting and organising and collecting data using both qualitative and quantitative methods. They will need excellent interpersonal and management skills as they will need to work in a clinical setting (including collecting data from patients) and build effective professional working relationships with clinicians and academics in other departments and Universities. An ability to work to deadlines is also required for this role.
This position would be ideal for someone with a background in psychology, sociology, social care or epidemiology, who is interested in developing their skills and experience for a future career in mental health research. The post holder will be an integral part of the mood disorders research group and the Mental Health Mission-Midlands Translational Centre which cuts across the University of Birmingham and the Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Trust in delivering translational research.
Working for our organisation
Welcome to Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Our 4000 clinical and support staff help us to improve mental health wellbeing and meet the needs of the 70,000 people we serve each year. We provide a range of mental healthcare services across Birmingham and Solihull, as well as specialised services nationally. We also offer medical, nursing and psychology training and are proud of our international reputation for both research and innovation.
Our population is culturally diverse, characterised in places by high levels of deprivation which create an increasing demand for our services and a necessity for us to make sure everyone can access the help they need. We are a team of compassionate, inclusive and committed people working together to provide excellent care to support our community. If you are looking for a place to belong, where you can make a real difference to people’s lives, join our team where our warm welcome is waiting for you.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For further information about the main responsibilities please view the attached job description and person specification.
We highly recommend you submit your application as soon as possible, this post may close earlier than the indicated closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received.
Person specification
Qualifications and training
Essential criteria
- Degree in a relevant subject
- research training
Desirable criteria
- Further relevant post-graduate qualification
Experience & Skills
Essential criteria
- Data collection involving qualitative and quantitative methods and techniques.
- Ability to conduct structured interviews and assessments with participants
- Professional familiarity with mental health and/or social care practice and terminology
Desirable criteria
- Experience with statistical/data analysis software
Special Aptitudes & Abilities
Essential criteria
- Understanding of the mental and physical health systems
- Excellent written and presentation skills
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Danielle Hett
- Job title
- Mood disorder Project Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 0121-301 4343
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