Research Associate (Gowen Autism study)

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job description

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.

Role: Research Associate

The Research Associate (RA) will join a multidisciplinary team experienced in autism research, Occupational Therapy, Patient and Public Involvement (PPI), complex interventions, and economic evaluation. Responsibilities include monitoring participant recruitment, communicating with OTs, the research team, and participants, and collating assessment reports and questionnaires into spreadsheets. The RA will perform both quantitative and qualitative analyses (e.g., framework analysis) on the data and collaborate with the Chief Investigator to develop, run, and contribute to workshops and surveys. They will assist in designing the toolkit and participate in disseminating study findings through publications, presentations, PPI, and clinical materials.

Desirable Skills and Experience

1. Experience working with autistic adults and/or conducting research with this population.
2. Experience co-producing research with autistic individuals.
3. Experience in sensory motor research.
4. Knowledge of the brain and cognitive aspects of sensory and motor difficulties in autism.

Study Phases

In Phase 1, autistic adults will be recruited from two diagnostic clinics in the Northwest. Participants will undergo a SMD assessment by an Occupational Therapist and receive a report with findings and support recommendations. Follow-up visits will collect data on the assessment's feasibility and acceptability via surveys and open-ended questions, informing future study designs.

In Phase 2, a toolkit with guidance on SMD assessments and interventions will be developed through workshops and surveys involving research team members and stakeholders.

Funding and Organization

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

Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 6,400 staff across more than 160 locations, providing inpatient and community mental health services in Bolton, Manchester, Salford, Trafford, Wigan, and beyond. The region offers vibrant city life and scenic countryside, with a reputation for warmth, humor, and generosity among its people. GMMH promotes learning, skill development, and innovation to improve care.

Contact

For further details or informal visits, contact: Dr. Emma Gowen, Chief Investigator
Email: [e-mail]