Research Assistant (Fixed-Term) (MED275525)

Karlstad University; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in the UK is seeking a Research Assistant for the EmpaMEG project, focusing on the neural basis of empathy and decision-making in antisocial populations. The role involves coordinating participant recruitment, conducting psychometric assessments, and overseeing experimental sessions. Ideal candidates will hold a relevant degree and have strong communication skills. This fixed-term, full-time position offers competitive benefits and is available until January 2029.

Benefits

Access to fitness and health facilities

Staff discounts and travel schemes

Generous holiday allowance

Attractive pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in psychometric assessments and research recruitment.
• Demonstrable experience in relevant fields, especially in antisocial populations.
• Strong background in working with clinical populations.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate recruitment of participants through engagement with probation services.
• Conduct psychometric assessments.
• Coordinate delivery of experimental sessions on the MRC-funded EmpaMEG project.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to contribute to method improvement

Collaborative approaches to build relationships

Education

Degree or equivalent in clinical neuroscience, psychology, healthcare systems, sociology or criminology

Job description

Research Assistant (Fixed-Term) (MED275525)

This is a Research Assistant on the EmpaMEG project, an MRC exploring the neural basis of empathy and decision-making in antisocial populations. The project involves recruitment in a challenging-to-recruit population (adults with ASPD, youth with conduct disorder), conduct of comprehensive psychometric and touchscreen neuropsychology assessments, and delivery of experimental sessions. Candidates will benefit from a demonstrable experience in these fields.

The post holder will coordinate recruitment of participants through engagement with probation services in both the East and West Midlands, conduct psychometric assessments, and coordinate delivery of experimental sessions on the MRC-funded EmpaMEG project, a 5-year project exploring the neural basis of empathy and decision-making in antisocial populations.

Responsibilities

Coordinate recruitment of participants through engagement with probation services in the East and West Midlands, conduct psychometric assessments, and coordinate delivery of experimental sessions on the MRC-funded EmpaMEG project.

Qualifications

The post holder must have a degree or equivalent in a relevant area such as clinical neuroscience, psychology, healthcare systems, sociology or criminology. Core abilities include excellent communication skills, ability to contribute to method improvement including recruitment plans, and collaborative approaches to building relationships with others including those with clinical diagnoses.

Benefits

Forensic Research Nottingham is one of a small number of active forensic mental health research groups in the UK. Since its inception, the group has attracted significant funding from MRC, NIHR and MPS and led on collaborative research projects and high-impact publications. FRN is aligned with the ENIGMA consortium and closely collaborates with the international-leading SCAN research group at Centre for Human Brain Health at the University of Nottingham, with close links to Professor Stephane de Brito and Professor Patricia Lockwood. The University of Nottingham provides generous employment packages whilst supporting the well‑being of our staff to help them reach their full potential. As a university employee, you will have an excellent choice of benefits and rewards, including access to fitness and health facilities, staff discounts and travel schemes, along with a competitive holiday allowance and a highly attractive pension scheme. The University of Nottingham is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

The post will be offered as a full‑time (36.25 hours per week), fixed‑term position, available to 01/01/2029.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr John Tully, Clinical Associate Professor in Forensic Psychiatry at [email protected]. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy please click ‘Apply Now’ to complete your details.

Closing Date: 15 Dec 2025 Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)