Research Assistant (Fixed term)

University-of-Nottingham; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nottingham is recruiting for a full-time, fixed-term role at the Jubilee Campus to support research on attitudes toward non-invasive brain stimulation for depression. The post focuses on inclusivity, CEI work, and engagement activities across mood disorders research.

DBS check is required, and the role is 18 months long. Candidates should have a degree in Psychology or related fields, plus experience with mental health contexts and qualitative methods.

Qualifications

• Experience of qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, focus groups).
• Experience working with people with mental health conditions in clinical or research settings.
• Ability to attend online and in-person engagement events, including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Support a research project understanding attitudes toward neuromodulation for depression.
• Contribute to Community Engagement and Involvement activities across mood disorders research.
• Collaborate with MindTech HealthTech Research Centre and engagement managers to run events and activities.

Skills

Qualitative research

Mental health experience

Public engagement

Education

Degree in Psychology/Neuroscience/Social Sciences/Health Sciences

Job description

Area
Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences

Location
Jubilee Campus

Salary
£32,080 to £35,608per annum pro-rata depending on skills and experience.

Closing Date
Monday 05 October 2026

Reference
MED2178126

About the role:

This role supports a new research project seeking to understand what people think about neuromodulation (non-invasive brain stimulation) treatments for the mental health condition depression. The specific focus is on transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) . The project is particularly seeking to identify barriers to access that may be experienced by groups of people that are not typically included in mental health research. The role also supports Community Engagement and Involvement (CEI) work across our wider mood disorders research.

About the team:

You will be part of an enthusiastic and supportive wider research team developing new neuromodulation treatments for mental health conditions. You will also be part of the multi-disciplinary and vibrant MindTech HealthTech Research Centre and will work closely with MindTech’s Senior Patient and Public Involvement Manager.

About you:

You will need to have a degree in Psychology or Neurosciences, Social Sciences, or Health Sciences; your own transport or be comfortable using public transport (costs will be reimbursed); experience of working with people with mental health conditions (either in a clinical or research context); and experience of qualitative research methodologies. You will need to be able to work flexibly to attend online and in-person engagement events and stakeholder activities, including in the evening and on occasion at weekends.

What we offer:

• A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment
• Generous holiday entitlement of 30 days (pro rata) plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year
• Formal training in community engagement and hands-on training in qualitative and participatory research methodologies
• You will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes, and many more. To find out more about what we can offer you, visit our benefits website

What next:

Further information is available in the role profile.

Applications will be reviewed and a shortlist of candidates will be invited to interview in October 2026. The successful candidate will commence in November 2026.

This is a full time (36.25 hours per week), fixed term (18-month) post. The role requires you to have an Enhanced DBS check.

Please contact Dr Paul Briley ( [e-mail] ) if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

It is a condition of this post that satisfactory enhanced disclosure is obtained from the 'Disclosure and Barring Service'.

Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. Visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion website.

To help you succeed, we published Candidate Guidance to provide support on the application and interview process.

We welcome applications from UK, Europe and worldwide and aim to make your move to the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page for details.

Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration .