Assistant Professor in Autism Research (Consultant Clinical Child Psychologist) (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for this new clinical academic post to be held within the Autism Research Centre (ARC) at the University of Cambridge, within the Department of Psychiatry.

We welcome applications from postdoctoral scientists who are eligible for a Consultant post in the NHS as this post is for 3 days per week working in the Child and Adolescent Autism Clinical Pathway in the North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT), with 2 days per week undertaking research in the ARC. Funding for this role comes from a donation from NELFT to the University.

The successful applicant is expected to lead on writing grant applications to fund the projects costs of their research and to extend their own salary beyond the first 5 years.

It would be an advantage if candidates have an outstanding research record in autism research, reflected in the quality of their publications and their success in grant applications, and contribute to the future vision, development and management of the ARC.

Academic duties include graduate supervision, world-class research and some departmental administration. Providing high quality, effective specialist psychological services for children and adolescents referred onto the neurodevelopmental pathway. Clinical duties include evidence-based neurodevelopmental diagnostic assessments, referral on to therapeutic and psychosocial intervention and therapy, psychological interventions and treatment, advice, guidance, service-user support, and clinical team leadership as part of a newly established 0-19 autism spectrum service (children with neurodevelopmental difficulties) and will support their peers whilst being an effective team member and working on their own initiative.

For ethical reasons, the ARC does not conduct animal research, and is opposed to both a 'cure' for autism and to eugenics. The ARC views autism as both a disability and an example of neurodiversity so does support research aimed at alleviating specific symptoms that cause suffering. The ARC's values inclusion for autistic people and maximising their wellbeing, and consults with the autism community on every research project it undertakes.

Informal enquiries related to the academic side of these posts may be directed to Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, e-mail sb205@cam.ac.uk and to Dr Manjari Tanwar, email manjari.tanwar@nelft.nhs.uk at NELFT for clinical queries.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 5 years in the first instance.

This appointment requires an Honorary Clinical Contract.

Applicants should upload a curriculum vitae (max 3 pages, to include date of PhD and details of any career gaps if applicable), contact details of 3 referees, completed additional information form and a 2-3 page outline of their future research programme, indicating how it will be distinctive yet complementary in relation to the existing portfolio of autism research and mental health-related research in the Department and elsewhere in Cambridge.

Please include details of your referees, including e-mail address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Please quote reference RN32371 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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