Peer Researcher – COMBINER study

The McPin Foundation; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 12,000 - 31,000; Part time

Job summary

A mental health research organization is seeking a Peer Researcher for the COMBINER study focused on bipolar disorder. The role involves working alongside individuals with lived experience and facilitating public involvement in research. This fixed-term position is based at the University of Birmingham, offering the chance to contribute to important research while gaining valuable experience. The ideal candidate will have personal experience with bipolar and a background in relevant research methods. This role promotes hybrid working conditions.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Hybrid working

NEST Pension scheme

Wellbeing support

Individual training budget

Employee Assistance Programme

Healthcare cash plan

Qualifications

• Personal history of bipolar disorder as a service user or carer.
• Experience in conducting peer research in mental health.
• Interest in public involvement in mental health research.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of the COMBINER project.
• Work with both young people and adults with lived experience.
• Collaborate with NHS clinicians and university academics.

Skills

Understanding of bipolar disorder

Experience with research methods

Facilitating involvement in research

Good communication skills

Education

Relevant university studies

Job description

Peer Researcher – COMBINER study

The McPin Foundation

Type: 2 years fixed term contract

Location: Working remotely and at the University of Birmingham

Salary: Starting from £30,437 per annum (£12,174.80 pro rata 0.4 FTE)

Hours: Part time (15 hours per week)

Are you interested in working on research focused on bipolar that champions lived experience? Do you have experience of research methods and facilitating involvement in research?

We are looking for a peer researcher who has a first‑hand understanding of bipolar to help us deliver the COMBINER project. This is an opportunity for someone with a personal history of bipolar themselves, either as a service user or carer for someone with bipolar who is looking to gain experience in public involvement and conducting peer research in a mental health trial. They will have an interest in public involvement in mental health research and a good understanding of research principles, perhaps through university studies. The post will involve working alongside both young people and adults with lived experience of bipolar, as well as NHS clinicians and university‑based academics.

This project is specifically located at the University of Birmingham with the COMBINER trial team (the post‑holder will be seconded to work with them) led by Professor Steven Marwaha. COMBINER is a two‑year study comparing three treatments for bipolar disorder: lithium alone, quetiapine alone, and lithium plus quetiapine together. We want to find out whether taking both medications helps people stay well for longer than taking just one. The trial has been funded by the National Institute of Health Research, and we have recently started recruiting participants.

Our team is committed to transforming mental health research through collaboration, inclusion and a belief in equity and anti‑oppressive behaviour. We strongly encourage applications from Black people, People of Colour, people who are LGBTQIA+, those with a disability and those who identify themselves in marginalised groups, as well as people with lived experience of mental health issues.

We offer benefits including a competitive salary, hybrid/flexible working, a NEST Pension scheme with 6% employer contribution, wellbeing support and mentoring scheme, an individual training budget and access to an Employee Assistance Programme and healthcare cash plan with Hospital Saturday Fund. You can find out more about us at www.mcpin.org.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 6th January 2026, 9 am.

Interviews will take place the week commencing 19th January 2026.

To apply, please visit our website to download an application form.