Band 5 Research Practitioner - Bristol

Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust; Axbridge; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A mental health organization in the United Kingdom is seeking a Research Practitioner to join their research team. You will support various NIHR-portfolio research studies aimed at improving mental health outcomes. The ideal candidate will have a background in psychology or related experience in NHS/social care settings. The role includes responsibilities such as assisting in research project delivery, ensuring efficient processes, and conducting assessments. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to impactful mental health research.

Qualifications

• Background in psychology and/or experience of delivering mental health research in NHS/social care settings.
• Ability to understand and learn how research is delivered in the NHS.

Responsibilities

• Support the set‑up and delivery of NIHR research projects.
• Ensure study materials are ready and recruitment processes run efficiently.
• Deliver research assessments and manage necessary follow‑ups.
• Pay attention to detail in research delivery.

Skills

Background in psychology

Experience in delivering mental health research

Understanding of NHS research delivery

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Research Practitioner with an interest in improving the lives of individuals with mental health difficulties to join our research team. AWP R&D is committed to improving the lives of people with mental health difficulties through research that improves our services.

Research Team

AWP R&D has over 25 research staff supporting the development and delivery of research across six counties in England (Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucester, BANES, Swindon & Wiltshire). Our work covers a broad range of topic areas, including exploring novel treatments for psychosis, bipolar, treatment‑resistant depression and dementia.

Role

This role offers an opportunity to support a broad range of NIHR‑portfolio research studies, including observational (questionnaire/interview) studies and interventional trials exploring psychological and pharmacological interventions for mental health conditions. The role is particularly suitable for individuals that have a background in psychology, and/or experience of delivering mental health research and/or research in NHS/social care settings.

Responsibilities

• Support the set‑up and delivery of NIHR research projects within AWP, contributing to all elements of a study’s life cycle from study material readiness to participant identification, consenting, assessment delivery and follow‑ups.
• Ensure study materials are ready and that participant recruitment and consenting processes run efficiently.
• Deliver research assessments and manage any necessary follow‑ups.
• Pay attention to detail and learn skills in how research is delivered in the NHS.

Qualifications

Background in psychology and/or experience of delivering mental health research in NHS/social care settings. Demonstrated ability to understand and learn how research is delivered in the NHS.

Location

AWP (Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust) provides inpatient and community‑based mental health care across Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Swindon, Wiltshire and parts of Dorset. Approximately 1.8 million people live in the areas served.

Diversity and Inclusion

At AWP we actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds. We are particularly keen to encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and from the LGBTQ+ community. Diversity makes us stronger.

Contact

For further details or informal visits, contact: Krist Noonan, Head of Research & Development, Email: [e-mail]. Interviews will be held in person on 6th and 7th November 2025 at Blackberry Hill Hospital, Bristol.