Job summary
National and Specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (N&S CAMHS) at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic, organised and highly motivated Research Assistant to support a qualitative research project exploring stakeholder experiences of Intensive Outpatient Programmes (IOPs) for eating disorders.
This exciting role will contribute to a study examining the perspectives of children and young people and parents/carers involved in eating disorder IOPs across England. The project aims to identify strengths, challenges and opportunities for improving the delivery of intensive outpatient treatment and will contribute to the development of evidence-informed recommendations for future service provision.
The successful applicant will support all aspects of the study, including participant recruitment, data collection, data management and qualitative research activities. They will also provide project coordination and administrative support, including organising IoPPN Research Steering Group and Study Management Group (SMG) meetings, preparing agendas and minutes, liaising with the Chief Investigator (CI), local Principal Investigators (PIs) and participating NHS sites, maintaining study documentation, tracking site set-up and recruitment, and supporting the day-to-day management of the project to ensure timely and effective delivery. They will work closely with the study’s Chief Investigator and wider research team.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will assist the research team in the delivery of a multi-site qualitative research study exploring stakeholder perspectives of Intensive Outpatient Programmes (IOPs) for eating disorders across England. They will support all stages of the research process, including study set-up, participant recruitment, data collection, data management, qualitative research activities, and the day-to-day coordination of the project. The role will involve working closely with the Chief Investigator, local Principal Investigators (PIs), NHS research teams, and members of the Research Steering Group to ensure the successful delivery of the study.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree (2:1 or above, or equivalent) in Psychiatry, Psychology, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Nursing, Public Health or a related discipline.
- Evidence of interest in research, mental health or healthcare services.
Desirable
- Additional training in qualitative research methods.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of collecting, managing or analysing research data.
- Experience of working with confidential or sensitive information.
- Experience of administrative and organisational tasks.
- Experience working effectively within a team environment.
- Experience that supports working with and addressing issues of diversity and inclusion.
Desirable
- The Trust encourages and welcomes applications from people with lived experience of mental health challenges. We see this as valuable and recognise the positive impact this experience can have on the work we do.
- Experience of qualitative research interviews or focus groups.
Understanding and Knowledge
Essential
- Knowledge of psychological research methodology ,particularly qualitative methods
- Understanding of research governance, ethics and confidentiality.
- Awareness of mental health and wellbeing issues.
- Awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion issues.
Desirable
- Knowledge of eating disorders and related services.
- Knowledge of qualitative methodologies including thematic analysis.
- Understanding of patient and public involvement in research.
- Knowledge of NHS research systems and procedures.
Skills
Essential
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organisational and time-management skills.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and databases.
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Teams.
- Ability to communicate sensitively with participants discussing potentially distressing experiences.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build effective working relationships across NHS and academic organisations
Desirable
- Interviewing and facilitation skills.
- Experience using qualitative data management software (e.g. NVivo).
- Experience preparing reports, presentations or publications.
- Experience with survey or database software.
Abilities
Essential
- Ability to work independently and use initiative appropriately.
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Ability to communicate professionally with NHS clinicians, researchers and external stakeholders.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
- Ability to maintain concentration whilst undertaking detailed administrative and research tasks.
- Ability to handle sensitive and potentially emotional information professionally.
- Ability to establish positive relationships with participants, clinicians and colleagues.
Desirable
- Ability to support qualitative analysis activities.
- Ability to contribute to research dissemination activities.
- Ability to engage effectively with children, young people and families.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Closing Date: 26 August 2026
