Research Assistant

NHS; Preston; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT) invites applications for a Research Assistant within the Mental Health Research Group (MHRG), a NIHR funded initiative based at Lancaster University. The post holder will contribute to Theme 1 research on co‑occurring mental health and substance use problems, aiming to co-design inclusive care pathways.

We welcome applicants with an undergraduate degree in psychology, sociology or related subjects and experience in qualitative research;

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Psychology, Sociology, or related subject.
• Knowledge of qualitative research principles and methods.
• Understanding of research governance and ethics.

Responsibilities

• Support NIHR-funded MHRG research within Theme 1.
• Engage with underserved communities to understand lived experiences.
• Assist in designing inclusive mental health care pathways and collecting qualitative data.

Education

Undergraduate degree in Psychology, Sociology, or related subject

Job description

Our Vision is to provide the best mental health, learning disability, autism, community, and physical health services for the populations we serve.

As an integrated Trust, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust (LSCFT) delivers a comprehensive range of services, including:

• Primary and secondary mental health care for children and adults, including specialist inpatient child and adolescent mental health provision, perinatal mental health, and forensic services with low and medium secure care.
• Specialist mental health inpatient care for individuals with learning disabilities, alongside specialist community support for children and adults with learning disabilities and autism, including intensive support.
• Extensive community physical health and well-being services for children and adults, covering prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term condition management.

The Trust was first established in 2002 and employs approximately 7,500 staff who provide care from more than 400 sites. The organisation offers opportunities for medics, mental health, general nurses, children’s nurses, allied health professionals, psychology, administration and clerical staff, apprentices and volunteers, as well as those specialising in learning disabilities and community physical health services.

Please note: If you require sponsorship to work in the UK, including those currently in the UK on any visa type and seeking sponsorship, please do not apply for this vacancy, as sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants who currently hold a Skilled Worker Visa will not be able to transfer their sponsorship to this position.

Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust is on an exciting journey towards becoming a University Trust, strengthening our partnerships with leading academic institutions and expanding our research capability. Our Research & Development department plays a key role in achieving this ambition - driving innovation, collaboration and excellence across mental health research.

We are looking for a Research Assistant to join the Mental Health Research Group (MHRG), a five year NIHR funded initiative based at Lancaster University. The MHRG is focused on tackling complex mental health needs among under served and excluded communities, co designing creative and inclusive solutions that improve access to care and reduce inequalities.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work within MHRG Research Theme 1, which focuses on co occurring mental health and drug or alcohol problems among people experiencing multiple disadvantages, such as substance use disorders, criminal justice involvement and other complex social challenges. These groups often face significant barriers to accessing mainstream services and are frequently excluded from traditional models of care. The research aims to understand their lived experiences, the difficulties they encounter when seeking support, and the opportunities for co designing more inclusive and effective mental health pathways.

Working for our organisation

LSCFT values diversity and inclusion, recognising that talent from varied backgrounds creates a flexible, creative, and effective workforce. We actively challenge discrimination and welcome applications from all, regardless of age, disability (including those with experience of accessing or caring for someone who has accessed mental health or learning disability services), ethnicity, gender, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.

Our aim is to reflect the communities we serve, so we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. If you’d like to discuss your application, please ask.

We also welcome individuals with lived experience relevant to the role or service area, as your insight brings authenticity to our services.

LSCFT support flexible working, we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as term time, part time, compressed hours and flexi-time.

The wellbeing of our people is at the heart of everything we do. We offer a wide range of resources, tools and support to help you thrive both in and out of work.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For more information about this vacancy please review the attached job description and person specification.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Psychology, Sociology, or related subject (eg. public health or social sciences).

Knowledge

• Understanding of qualitative research principles and methods.
• Understanding of research governance and ethics.

Experience

• Experience conducting mental health and/or addiction research.
• Experience conducting research with people with lived experience of severe mental illness and/or alcohol or substance use problems.
• Experience conducting qualitative research (e.g., experience conducting interviews, analysing qualitative data).

You are advised to consider applying for LSCFT vacancies as soon as possible as in some instances vacancies are closed as soon as a sufficient number of applications have been received. If you are not invited to interview within four weeks of the closing date then please assume that on this occasion you have been unsuccessful, as it is not possible to contact all unsuccessful candidates.

Please note that further communication from LSCFT will normally be to the email address given on the application form. You should also ensure that email addresses and telephone numbers are provided for your referees, to enable LSCFT to contact them.

Please ensure that you read the person specification as your application will be measured against this document.

If you use AI to assist with your application, you must declare this. Undeclared use may result in withdrawal. Please ensure your application reflects your own skills and experiences. While AI tools can assist, they may produce generic or inaccurate content. We encourage you to provide personal examples that demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria.

For all posts which require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check please be aware of the Disclosure and Barring Service Code of Practice, a copy of which is available by logging on to the DBS website. If the post is subject to DBS disclosure, a charge will be made to the successful candidate(s).

Employer certification / accreditation badges

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Name Polly Bidwell Job title Senior Clinical Studies Officer Email address [e-mail] Additional information

For further information, please contact:

Polly Bidwell | Senior Clinical Studies Officer

[e-mail]