Research Assistant (Fixed term)

University of Nottingham School of Humanities; Campus (IL); On-site; USD 43,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days holiday pro rata

Formal training in communityEngagement

Benefits including health facilities,,

Job summary

University of Nottingham School of Humanities is seeking a role to engage with community groups across Nottinghamshire, exploring attitudes to neuromodulation treatments for depression. The post involves interviews, focus groups, and workshops with people who have experience of depression, including evenings and some weekends.

You will support CEI work, join MindTech HealthTech Research Centre, and work closely with MindTech’s Patient and Public Involvement lead to shape community-informed

Qualifications

• Degree in Psychology, Neurosciences, Social Sciences, or Health Sciences.
• Experience with people with mental health conditions and qualitative research.
• Ability to attend online and in-person events, including evenings/weekends.

Responsibilities

• Engage with community groups and attend meetings and engagement events.
• Conduct interviews, focus groups, and co-production workshops with people affected by depression.

Skills

Qualitative research methodologies

Community engagement

Education

Degree in Psychology or Neurosciences, Social Sciences, or Health Sciences

Job description

Area

Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences

Location

Jubilee Campus

Salary

£32,080 to £35,608 per 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.

The role holder will engage and build relationships with community groups in Nottinghamshire whose members are not typically included in mental health research. This will involve attendance at community group meetings and engagement events, including in the evening and on occasion at weekends. The role holder will also conduct interviews, focus groups, and co-production workshops, with people with experience of depression.

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

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'.

Further Details

• Job Description/Role Profile

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.

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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.