Band 5 Research and Development Assistant - The Barberry

Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Band 5 Research and Development Assistant to support the delivery of mental health research studies from setup to completion. You will assist with documentation, approvals, data management and participant follow-up, collaborating with researchers, clinicians and partners to ensure studies run smoothly and ethically.

The role offers a hands-on pathway into research, healthcare or academia, with opportunities to engage across

Qualifications

• Degree in Psychology or a relevant healthcare subject is required.
• Formal research training or coursework is expected.
• Knowledge of NHS ethical and R&D approval processes is important.
• Experience in a research setting or NHS environment is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day delivery of mental health research studies and clinics from start to finish.
• Assist with study documentation, approvals, data recording and participant follow-up in line with regulatory standards.

Skills

Research methodology

NHS experience

Clinical study coordination

NHS ethical approvals

Education

Degree in Psychology or relevant healthcare subject

Formal research training

Job description

Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Band 5 Research and Development Assistant - The Barberry

The closing date is 02 November 2026

This role plays a vital role in turning great ideas into real improvements in patient care. Working at the heart of research delivery, you'll support the set-up, coordination, delivery and dissemination of high-quality studies across mental health services, helping clinicians, researchers and participants every step of the way. It's a hands-on role that builds strong research, data and stakeholder skills, and offers a brilliant foundation for a career in research, healthcare or academia.

In joining the Research and Development Department at BSMHFT means joining a collaborative, knowledgeable and highly motivated team that sits at the centre of research activity across the Trust. The department is known for its supportive culture, strong links with clinicians and academic partners, and its commitment to developing staff at every stage of their career. You'll gain exposure to a wide range of high-impact mental health studies in the areas of Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Mood disorders, Huntington's Disease, Dementia and Epilepsy to name a few; you will be encouraged to build your skills and confidence and play a meaningful role in research that directly shapes services and improves lives.

Main duties of the job

As an R&D Assistant, you'll support the day-to-day delivery of mental health research studies and clinics from set-up through to completion. This includes helping with study documentation and approvals, maintaining accurate research records and databases, and supporting participant recruitment and follow-up in line with regulatory and ethical standards. You'll work closely with researchers, clinicians and external partners to coordinate study activity, monitor progress and resolve practical issues, helping to ensure studies run smoothly, safely and on time. You will support the team in maintaining close relationships with clinical services and department and to actively promote research amongst clinicians, service users, carers and the wider NHS and public - helping to make research everybody's business.

You'll be highly organised with strong attention to detail, able to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a busy environment. Good communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as you'll be working with a wide range of professionals and interacting sensitively with research participants. You'll need confidence using IT systems and handling data accurately, alongside an understanding of confidentiality and governance requirements. Most importantly, you'll bring a genuine interest in research and mental health, a willingness to learn, and a proactive, team-focused approach to your work.

About us

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.

Job responsibilities

For further information about the main responsibilities please view the attached jobdescription and person specification.

We are unable to support applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work the United Kingdom (UK)

Person Specification

Degree in Psychology or a relevant healthcare subject

• Degree in Psychology or a relevant healthcare subject
• Formal research training (this may be as part of a degree course)
• Knowledge of research methodology
• Professional familiarity with mental health and/or social care practice and terminology
• At least one years experience of working in a research setting or NHS setting (this can be voluntary or paid employment)
• Knowledge of NHS ethical and R&D approval processes
• Experience of working in an NHS environment with service user contact
• Experience of running concurrent research studies with minimal supervision according to good clinical practice guidelines
• Experience of applying for NHS ethical and/or R&D approval

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.

Employer name

Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

£32,073 to £39,043 a yearper annum, pro rata