Research Assistant for Clinical Studies

Location: Hammersmith Hospital / Charing Cross Hospital 

Job Summary

We are seeking a Research Assistant to join our Imperial College Small Vessel Disease Research Group in the Department of Brain Sciences. This is an exciting opportunity to support our new research programme that aims to establish the causes of cerebral small vessel disease, one of the commonest causes of dementia and stroke, and to develop new treatments. We are establishing a new study to assess and follow-up patients in greater detail than has been possible before to tease apart the mechanisms underlying the disease and to develop new treatments. 

You will learn and perform physiological assessments, including transcranial Doppler and autonomic cardiovascular testing, support MRI imaging studies, analyse data and support the administration of our studies. 

We are seeking applicants with a degree in physiology, nursing or biomedical sciences, excellent personal skills and an interest in developing technical expertise in this patient-facing role. Experience in human subject physiology or laboratory experience is preferable but not essential as all training will be provided. 

This is a full-time post (minimum 30hr/week will be considered), available for 3 years in the first instance, but with a view to contract extension, transition to a research degree or alternative career development in technical professions or research management. For suitably experienced applicants, completion of a supported PhD during the post may be feasible. 

Duties and responsibilities 

• Support administration of prospective cohort studies and randomised controlled trials.
• Assist with recruitment, interviewing and follow-up of patients as part of prospective cohort studies and randomised controlled trials
• Perform cognitive assessments.
• Assist with physiological assessments of patients within cohort studies and randomised trials.
• Train to perform physiological assessments independently, such as transcranial ultrasound.
• Assist with physiological monitoring during MRI scanning.
• Manage and coordinate our research studies.
• Learn to analyse data with standard scientific analysis software (R, Python, Matlab).

Essential requirements

• A first or 2:1 degree, or a masters, in a relevant discipline (e.g., biological sciences, nursing, neuroscience, psychology etc)
• Knowledge of basic research methods and statistical procedures
• Knowledge of general laboratory practice, techniques, and instrumentation
• Excellent communication skills with a wide range of people
• Ability to organise own work with minimal supervision.
• Good computer skills, including word-processing, spreadsheets and the Internet.

Further Information

The post is a fixed term position for 3 years, at a salary between £40,694 and £43,888, depending on previous experience, with the potential for extension of the position, support to apply for further research training or for completion of a supported PhD during the post.

This role includes engagement with patients and handling of human samples. A criminal records check and appropriate vaccinations will be required. 

Should you require any further details on the role please contact: Dr Alastair Webb, alastair.webb@imperial.ac.uk 

Closing date: 1 September 2024

Apply online via the above ‘Apply’ button.

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