Clinical Research Fellow in Mood Disorders

Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional mental health trust in Birmingham seeks a full-time Clinical Research Fellow to support a new depression clinic. The successful candidate will work with a dedicated team to assess patients, support GPs, and engage in research activities. Opportunities for academic progression towards ACF/ACL and PhD funding are available. Access to training and development in clinical and research skills is provided.

Qualifications

• Support the delivery of a translational research depression clinic.
• Engage in cohort studies and clinical trials.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the depression research clinic.
• Work with GPs to deliver patient advice.
• Work with Centre leadership to enhance skills and training.

Job description

Overview

We are seeking to appoint a full‑time Clinical Research Fellow to support the delivery of a translational research depression clinic in Birmingham, which is being funded by the NIHR Mental Health Mission Midlands Translational Research Centre. The clinic will offer fast access to assessment and advice for patients with depression referred directly from primary care, and a recruitment pathway into a cohort study using a digital data collection platform called DECODE. The clinic will also host other studies, including randomised controlled trials focused on helping people with mood disorders.

Support and Resources

The successful postholder will be supported by a dedicated Consultant Psychiatrist (appointed) and the Research Lead for Mood Disorders Research as well as the Co‑Director for the Midlands Translational Research Centre, Prof Marwaha, and the Trust’s Research and Development (R&D) Department. The R&D Department provides support to a broad portfolio of research, with specific and dedicated staff appointed to deliver the Mood Disorders Research Agenda. This support includes (but is not limited to) Lead and Clinical Research Nurse staff, non‑clinical research delivery staff, Research Fellows, project management and governance staff.

Responsibilities

• Work with a team to develop and deliver the depression research clinic, involving assessments of patients and delivery of advice to GPs.
• Engage in research activities related to a cohort study and industry‑funded trials of new pharmacological agents as these arise.
• Develop research outputs and help BSMHFT deliver a range of clinical trials that are starting or due to start in 2025 focussed on mood disorders within the context of developing and working within a research clinic.
• Work with the Centre leadership (Co‑Director Professor Marwaha) and be given extensive opportunity to develop skill sets in keeping with academic training and moving towards ACF/ACL and PhD funding if desired.

Qualifications and Development

The post holder will benefit from access to training as required, and from the wrap‑around support of the delivery team to develop both clinical and research skills. An academic trajectory towards ACF/ACL and PhD funding is encouraged if desired.