Research Associate (Gowen Autism study)

Job Summary

The aim of this 2 year project is to provide evidence for the need and acceptability of routine sensory motor assessments and treatment for autistic adults without Learning Disabilities and to identify and map appropriate intervention pathways.

The Research Associate (RA) will join a multidisciplinary team who have experience in autism research, Occupational Therapy, Patient and Public Involvement (PPI), delivery of complex interventions, and economic evaluation. They will be responsible for monitoring participant recruitment, communicating with the OTs, research team, and participants, and collating the assessment reports and questionnaires into spreadsheets. The RA will perform quantitative and qualitative analysis (i.e. framework analysis) on the data and work with the Chief Investigator to develop, run, and contribute to the workshops and survey. They will help design the toolkit and be involved in disseminating study findings through publications, presentations, PPI, and clinical material.

Main duties of the job

In phase 1 of the study, autistic adults will be recruited from two diagnostic clinics in the Northwest. Participants will be offered a SMD assessment by an Occupational Therapist and will receive a report detailing findings including any support recommendations. All participants will be asked to return for a follow-up visit to collect proof of concept and feasibility data on the assessment and report using a survey and open-ended questions. This data will allow us to understand the need for assessment and intervention and obtain acceptability and feasibility data to design future studies.

In phase 2, a toolkit containing guidance on appropriate SMD assessments and intervention options will be developed through workshops and a survey involving research team members and stakeholders.

The project is funded by an NIHR Research for Patient Benefit grant.

About Us

Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 6,400 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 160 locations.

We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford, Trafford, and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the northwest of England, and beyond.

Greater Manchester is one of the world's most innovative, original, and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment, and dining options.

Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour, and generosity.

Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills, and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.

Date posted

23 April 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£37,338 to £44,962 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

437-6194582

Job locations

Central Park

Northampton Road

Manchester

M40 5BP

Job Description

Job responsibilities

Research grants writing
To assist with writing of funding applications for research. To conduct and write systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses for publication and to inform future research and grant applications. To contribute to the development/design of qualitative and quantitative studies with the members of the team. To assist with the running of any pilot trials or research studies conducted within the team. To liaise with relevant funding bodies, research support network (e.g. NIHR Research Design Service) and R&I departments of partner organisations. To assist with the running of any focus groups or consultation groups with service users and/or other stakeholders to inform research. To assist in servicing meetings, including production of agendas, writing of minutes and reports and taking follow-up action as required. To support the Lead and team members on other relevant research/administrative activities as required.

Research management
To populate, maintain and manage relevant and accurate databases on a daily basis, ensuring they represent a comprehensive and accurate record of the ongoing research. To work effectively under time-pressure in order to meet tight deadlines and project milestones. To retrieve complex data from relevant quantitative databases and analyse research outcomes to produce summary reports on research activity for a variety of purposes.

Communication and networking
To regularly liaise with the study collaborators and other stakeholders to identify and recruit eligible study participants; To assist with the promotion of the research to stakeholders; To contribute towards and write papers about the research in high profile reports and publications; To help present information on research progress and outcomes to management groups; To assist with the presentation of research findings at internal and external meetings, and conferences nationally and internationally; and To liaise with research colleagues and support administrative staff on routine matters.

Research and administrative activities to support funding bids
To implement research policies / standard operating procedures for their own work area and to be able to propose improvements to research policies/procedures where relevant. To assume responsibility for the safe and secure use of research equipment including digital recorders and computers where relevant. To provide advice or demonstrate own research activities or workplace routines to new research staff or temporary researchers working on the project. To contribute to the production of accurate information and timely submission of the Progress Reports to the relevant bodies (e.g. funders, the Trust). To organise their own day-to-day tasks and activities; the post holder must be able to take significant responsibility for planning and implementation of specific elements of the research activities conducted by the Unit. To have a reliable method of transporting themselves independently to the Unit's site and willing to travel to meetings with other team members and relevant stakeholders in the North West area. To be aware of national developments, attend national events and undertake any necessary and relevant training to keep up to date with research developments and related issues as required. Comply with data management and quality assurance according to regulatory guidelines (ICH GCD and Data Protection Act 1998). Comply with departmental policies concerning security, safety, and patient confidentiality and to ensure that procedures are carried out with safe systems of work and current legislation. The post holder may be required to carry out other related tasks that may not be specifically mentioned above. The job description may be reviewed and amended at a later date. Changes will be made in consultation with the post holder and the Lead.

Staff Benefits

• Pay Enhancements 30% additional for Evenings (8pm onwards) and Saturdays and 60% additional for Sundays and Bank holidays.
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
• Excellent pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car scheme
• Wellbeing programme
• Blue Light Card Discounts

Person Specification

Education & Qualifications

Essential

• Good Honours Degree in Psychology (2:1 or above) or in a relevant and related field and a Master's Degree or equivalent experience

Desirable

• PhD in Psychology or a relevant and related field

Experience

Essential

• Experience of conducting quantitative and qualitative research in mental health/Autism
• Experience of statistical and qualitative computer packages (e.g. SPSS, STATA or an equivalent statistical package and nVivo)
• Experience of conducting PPI events and public engagement

Skills & Abilities

Essential

• Ability to organize own day to day tasks and activities
• Computer Literacy - advanced skills in database (e.g. Microsoft Excel) and word processing packages
• Ability to work independently with regular supervision, using initiative
• Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills

Desirable

• Demonstrable capability of working with large volumes of complex, sensitive and highly confidential information

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge/experience of analysis and interpretation of statistical/analytical research outcomes

Other

Essential

• Reliable method for traveling independently across the wide footprint of the Trust and occasionally the North West region to attend meetings and events relevant to the role

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Employer details

Employer name
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHSFT

Address
Central Park

Northampton Road

Manchester

M40 5BP

Employer's website

https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/