Research Assistant (Hub for Metabolic Psychiatry)

University of Edinburgh

  • United Kingdom
  • £34,610-39,906 per year
  • Permanent
  • Part-time
  • 13 days ago
Job Category: AcademicJob Description:Hub for Metabolic Psychiatry, Division of Psychiatry, Centre for Clinical Brain SciencesGrade UE06: £34,610 - £39,906 per annum, pro-rataFixed Term: 24 monthsPart time: 17.5 hrs per weekWe are looking for an enthusiastic Research Assistant to join the Hub for Metabolic Psychiatry and support world-leading research on the relationship between metabolism and severe mental illness.The Opportunity:This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and self-motivated researcher to join a highly multidisciplinary research team, and to develop their research skills for further training such as a PhD or DClinPsy. The Hub for Metabolic Psychiatry, funded by UKRI and based at the University of Edinburgh, is one of six research Hubs across the UK comprising the UKRI Mental Health Platform. We are seeking a Research Assistant to support active clinical research studies within the Hub, principally the METPSY research study. This post, funded by the Galashan Trust, will involve working with people with major depression, bipolar, and schizophrenia (as well as people without mental health conditions) to help recruit participants and coordinate data collection. The post holder will be provided training, support, and mentorship for career development.This post is advertised as part-time (0.5 FTE, 17.5 hrs per week) for 24 months, with the possibility of renewal subject to funding.Applicants are required to submit a CV and cover letter (maximum of 2 pages each) to be considered for the role.Please note PVG is a requirement for this post for the successful candidateEquity, diversity, and inclusion is a key priority for the team. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, and particularly encourage applications from individuals belonging to minoritised ethnicities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled individuals, as these are currently underrepresented in our area.Your skills and attributes for success:
  • A degree (or equivalent work experience) in a relevant subject, such as psychology, neuroscience, or metabolic science
  • A basic understanding of clinical research recruitment and data collection processes
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Excellent organisational, communication, and IT skills
  • Interest in contributing to advances in mental health research
Click to view a copy of the fullAs a valued member of our team you can expect:
  • A competitive salary
  • An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
  • To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community
  • Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, competitive pension schemes, staff discounts, and family-friendly initiatives. Check out the full list on our
(opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the total value of your pay and benefitsChampioning equality, diversity and inclusionThe University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our (opens new browser tab).On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.Key dates to noteThe closing date for applications is 11 September 2025.Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.About Us: As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow's greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.About the Team:Centre for Clinical Brain SciencesThe Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences (CCBS; Director Professor Colin Smith), part of Edinburgh Medical School and Edinburgh Neuroscience, integrates laboratory and clinical research to study the causes, consequences and treatment of major brain disorders. Anchored in the Edinburgh BioQuarter adjacent to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, and with bases at other Edinburgh hospital sites, CCBS' locations link clinical and laboratory science with informatics and commerce to encourage the free-flowing exchange of ideas, the efficient use of clinical data and joint academic/health service delivery.CCBS comprises 64 Principal Investigators (47 staff and 17 honorary)-including 21 Personal Chairs. Of these, 70% are active NHS clinicians, which grounds the Centre's research aims close to unmet clinical need and facilitates the translation of research findings into real-world impact. The 300+ members of CCBS conduct research of international recognition and reputation and publish approximately 300 papers a year. Major strengths include clinical trials and trial methodology, neuroimaging, neuropathology and regenerative neurology (including human stem cell research) in a wide range of conditions encompassing brain vascular disease/stroke, neurodegenerative disease, prion disease and psychiatric disorders. CCBS researchers attracted £57M in grant-funding over the last three years and collaborate widely, leading national and international clinical trials in stroke (e.g. IST-3, FOCUS, RESTART) and dementia (e.g. EPAD, AMYPAD) and playing a major role in the UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh. The National CJD Research and Surveillance Unit is a WHO Reference Centre for Human Prion Disease. The research generates significant and measurable impact in terms of patient health and wellbeing, NHS policy and economy, and public awareness.Within Edinburgh University's REF 2021 submission the second largest submission was for “Neuro”; that is formally classified as Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience (Unit of Assessment 4). Edinburgh was ranked second in the UK by quality ('grade point average', according to Research Professional) and third in the UK by the 'power' measure which takes into account the size of the submission as well as the quality (according to Times Higher Education; up from 4th in the last REF in 2014). The combined metric of quality and power places Edinburgh 1st in the UK. 52% of our research papers were awarded the highest score of 4*, defined as world-leading, and a further 38% were rated 3*, defined as internationally excellent. 100% of our ten impact case studies - measuring health and wealth gain- were awarded 4*, meaning they are world-leading in reach and significance. Importantly 100% of our environment was awarded 4*, meaning the context in which our research takes place is world-leading in vitality and sustainability.CCBS currently has 49 postgraduate students, mostly PhDs. It is particularly strong in clinical PhD training, with a number of innovative schemes including Rowling Scholars and Princess Margaret Research Development Fellowships. The Edinburgh Imaging Academy is a flagship for e-learning MSc and CPD courses. The Centre also has a strong record of attracting philanthropic donations to establish specialist research hubs (Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic, Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research, Edinburgh Dementia Prevention, MS Society Edinburgh Centre for MS Research, Muir Maxwell Epilepsy Centre, Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre, Sackler Institute for Psychobiological Research, Row Fogo Centre) that are maintained and expanded by community fundraising.For further information about our Centre is available on the ( ) (opens in a new browser tab).

University of Edinburgh