Research Assistant

About us

The Department of Psychosis Studies is one of the world’s leading centres for research into psychotic disorders. We aim to advance the understanding and treatment of psychotic disorders across all stages to improve the lives of patients and their families. Our staff include clinical and non-clinical scientists with a wide range of expertise and are recognised globally as innovators of high-quality translational research.

The research group is investigating how the immune system may hold clues to how psychosis and other psychiatric disorders are caused and how people respond to treatments. We will investigate blood and cerebrospinal fluid from participants to identify the treatment-relevant immune processes, with an emphasis on immune cells, autoantibodies and inflammatory markers. If we can show causal links, our work could guide future targeted immune-based interventions.

The studies involve subject recruitment and collection of clinical data and bio samples (blood and cerebrospinal fluid) from patients. A main focus is on an exciting new prospective, longitudinal study aiming to assess the immunological basis of psychiatric symptoms as well as the immunological effects of antipsychotic treatment. It is being led by a team from KCL and the Francis Crick Institute and is unique for its interdisciplinary nature, combining expertise from clinical psychiatry, immunology and neuroscience, with significant ongoing input from people with lived experience of psychosis.  

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to gain and develop research skills. The post-holder will join Dr Tom Pollak’s research group and play a key role in innovative studies taking a new immunologically focussed approach to understanding and treating neuropsychiatric disorders.

They will be involved in collecting and analysing research data and biosamples and collaborate closely with other research staff on the project, fostering effective working relationships with local and regional services for psychosis, neurology, rheumatology, and neuropsychiatry.

The post-holder will have opportunities to engage in data analysis and develop their research interests within the projects. They will receive training in research methods and develop skills which will be valuable for future research practice.

The role would be ideal for a candidate with an interest in the rapidly expanding fields of immunopsychiatry and mental health. There is potential to develop a project for a PhD application for a suitable candidate.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), fixed term for 12 months, with the possibility of extension.

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