Lived Experience Lead Researcher

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking a Lived Experience Lead Researcher for a Band 5 post within a Welcome Trust funded study, SloMo2. The role involves supporting recruitment and data collection, and working closely with participants to enhance their experience with the SloMo therapy for psychosis. Candidates should have lived experience of psychosis and relevant skills in research and public engagement. This position offers a salary range of £31,049 to £37,796 pro rata.

Qualifications

• Lived experience of psychosis.
• Experience of receiving mental health services.
• Experience of conducting research interviews.

Responsibilities

• Support participants informed consent.
• Conduct interviews with participants.
• Collaborate with the research team to promote SloMo.

Skills

Knowledge of PPI and co‑production

Good time management and organisational skills

Well‑developed verbal and written communication skills

Skills to support people who may be distressed

Education

Undergraduate degree in subject related to science or healthcare

Grade 4/C GCSEs in Maths and English or equivalent

Job description

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust

Lived Experience Lead Researcher

The closing date is 09 January 2026

This is a Band 5 Lived Experience Lead Researcher post for a Welcome Trust funded study, SloMo2. SloMo is a digitally supported, cognitive‑behavioural therapy for psychosis that improves fear of harm from others (or paranoia). SloMo has been developed in close collaboration with people with lived experience of paranoia in psychosis. It works by targeting fast thinking habits and encouraging slow thinking, supporting people to find ways of feeling safer and living well.

Main duties of the job

The role is a key one in the SloMo project team. The postholder will support the recruitment, data collection and analysis of interviews with participants about their experience of receiving SloMo therapy. They will support the sustainable roll‑out of SloMo across the Trust. They will work with the local Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) group and help shape PPI across the study locally. They will join a friendly study team and will be line managed by the Local SloMo Therapy Lead and supported by the local SloMo Research Assistant Psychologist. There will be close working with the national SloMo Trial Coordinator, peer researchers at the other NHS sites and mentorship from the PPI Lead for the whole study.

About us

We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.

NHS Employees identified as at risk of compulsory redundancy and those eligible for the NENC Re‑Deployment careers hub will receive prior consideration.

Job responsibilities

• Support participants informed consent
• Conduct interviews with participants about their experience of receiving SloMo
• Transcribe participant interviews
• Collaborate with the research team to analyse interview transcripts
• Monitor and record research activities
• Collaborate with the research team to promote SloMo in the NHS
• Support Patient and Public Involvement and public engagement with the SloMo study
• Be involved in supervision, training and learning around the SloMo study
• Effectively use supervision and contribute to team meetings
• Carry out other duties as agreed with the team

Please find attached job description for full details.

Closing date : 9th January 2026

We welcome your application.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

• Lived experience of psychosis.
• Experience of receiving mental health services for people with psychosis.
• Experience of analysing and writing‑up qualitative (e.g., interview) research studies.
• Experience of, or feeling comfortable with, talking about lived experience with peers and colleagues.
• Experience of conducting research interviews with people with lived experience of psychosis.
• Experience of blogs, podcasts, newsletters, or any other public engagement activities that have promoted research through PPI.
• Experience of delivering training and presentations to a wide range of audiences.
• Experience that supports working with, and addressing issues of, diversity within local communities.

Skills and competencies

• First‑hand knowledge of the problems experienced by and the needs of people experiencing psychosis.
• Knowledge of PPI and co‑production.
• Good time management and organisational skills.
• Well‑developed verbal and written communication skills including communicating complex information to clients, families, and colleagues.
• Skills to support people who may be distressed and vulnerable, and manage risk appropriately, with support from supervisor.
• Ability to design and deliver training packages.

Role/Team specific requirements

• Experience of managing own workload.
• Ability to work effectively with a team and independently, including recognition of strengths and limitations, seeking advice when needed.
• Pro‑active and experienced at meeting targets.
• Understanding of the impact the nature of a lived experience role can have on an own wellbeing.

Personal Characteristics

• Confidence in own ability to show initiative and work independently.
• Friendly, outgoing, approachable, caring, responsible and positive approach.
• Motivated, innovative and creative. Openness and transparency. Resilience.
• Reliable, enthusiastic and able to build mutual and trusting relationships.
• Flexible, dynamic and adaptive.

Education and Qualifications

• Grade 4/C GCSEs in Maths and English, or equivalent.
• Undergraduate degree in subject related to science or healthcare or equivalent experience.

Additional Requirements

• Willing and able to undertake any relevant training associated to post.
• Ability to meet the mobility and geographical requirements of the post.

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

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear (CNTW) NHS Foundation Trust

£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum pro rata