Clinical Research Fellow in Mood Disorders

NHS; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mental health foundation in Birmingham seeks a full-time Clinical Research Fellow to support a translational research depression clinic. Responsibilities include developing research outputs, conducting patient assessments, and collaborating on clinical trials. Applicants must possess an MBBS/MBChB or equivalent, be GMC registered, and have a strong interest in mental health disorders. The position is fixed-term for 24 months and offers a salary of £44,439 to £65,048 per year.

Qualifications

• Registered with the GMC with a licence to practice.
• Experience in research methods.
• Strong knowledge of Good Clinical Practice.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the depression research clinic.
• Conduct assessments and deliver advice to GPs.
• Work on cohort studies and clinical trials.

Skills

Research methods knowledge

Analytical and problem solving

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

IT skills

Interest in mental health disorders

Education

MBBS / MBChB or equivalent

Completion of Foundation Training year 1 or equivalent

Job description

Job summary

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 be a way of hosting other studies including randomised controlled trials focused on helping people with mood disorders.

The successful postholder will be supported by a dedicated Consultant Psychiatrist (appointed) and the Research Lead for Mood Disorders Research and the Co‑Director for the Midlands Translational Research Centre, Prof Marwaha and the Trusts 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. The team will provide wrap‑around support to the postholder to work as a delivery team, as well as access to training as required.

Main duties of the job

The post‑holder will work with a team to develop and deliver the depression research clinic as described. This will involve assessments of patients and delivery of advice to GPs. It will also involve research activities related to a cohort study and industry funded trials of new pharmacological agents as these arise. The post holder will also have the opportunity to develop research outputs. It is expected that the clinical research fellow will also help BSMHFT deliver a range of clinical trials that are starting or due to start in 2025 focused on mood disorders within the context of developing and working within a research clinic. These will grow with mission objectives to increase early phase and novel treatment trials in the region. The appointee will work with the Centre leadership (Co‑Director Professor Marwaha). There will be extensive opportunity to develop skill sets in keeping with academic training and moving towards ACF/ACL and PhD funding if that is desired.

The appointee will also have the opportunity to attend appropriate educational activities and will be expected to work towards registration for a higher degree and will be supported to apply for further funding.

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.

Details Date posted

18 November 2025

Pay scheme

Hospital medical and dental staff

Grade

Doctor - other

Salary

£44,439 to £65,048 a year Per Annum, salary ranges based of level (FY2 - ST6)

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

24 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

436-MEDICAL-CRF

Job locations

The Barberry Centre

25 Vincent Dr

Birmingham

B15 2FG

Job description Job responsibilities

Please refer to the accompanying job description for full details of the roles and responsibilities of this post.

If you have any questions please contact Professor Steven Marwaha: [e-mail]/ [e-mail]

For further details / informal visits contact:

Name

Professor Steven Marwaha

Job title

Consultant Psychiatrist

Job description Job responsibilities

Please refer to the accompanying job description for full details of the roles and responsibilities of this post.

If you have any questions please contact Professor Steven Marwaha: [e-mail]/ [e-mail]

For further details / informal visits contact:

Name

Professor Steven Marwaha

Job title

Consultant Psychiatrist

Person Specification Scoring Essential

• MBBS / MBChB or equivalent medical qualification
• Fully registered with the GMC with a licence to practice at the time of appointment.
• Completion of Foundation Training year 1 or equivalent
• Understanding and first hand experience of research methods outside of degree course and processes
• Strong knowledge of Good Clinical Practice
• Analytical and problem solving capability
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity, both verbally and in writing
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to get on well with colleagues
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent IT skills
• Strong interest in mental health disorders
• Ability to work towards departmental and institute objectives

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualification e.g. MRCPsych Part A-C at appropriate level, or equivalent
• Research experience such as a BSc Upper Second Clas Honours, Masters or equivalent
• In good standing with GMC. No restrictions or conditions on practice.
• Experience of psychiatry
• Understanding and experience of research methods and processes related to the study of mental illness
• Research publications

Person Specification Scoring Essential

• MBBS / MBChB or equivalent medical qualification
• Fully registered with the GMC with a licence to practice at the time of appointment.
• Completion of Foundation Training year 1 or equivalent
• Understanding and first hand experience of research methods outside of degree course and processes
• Strong knowledge of Good Clinical Practice
• Analytical and problem solving capability
• Ability to communicate complex information with clarity, both verbally and in writing
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to get on well with colleagues
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent IT skills
• Strong interest in mental health disorders
• Ability to work towards departmental and institute objectives

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualification e.g. MRCPsych Part A-C at appropriate level, or equivalent
• Research experience such as a BSc Upper Second Clas Honours, Masters or equivalent
• In good standing with GMC. No restrictions or conditions on practice.
• Experience of psychiatry
• Understanding and experience of research methods and processes related to the study of mental illness
• Research publications

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

The Barberry Centre

25 Vincent Dr

Birmingham

B15 2FG

Employer's website

https://www.bsmhft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

The Barberry Centre

25 Vincent Dr

Birmingham

B15 2FG

Employer's website

https://www.bsmhft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)