Research Associate (PIMS)

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression once in post to £39,906

Hours: Part Time (18.75 hours per week)

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to April 2026 

Background

To assist in research (by carrying out data collection or analyses) to create knowledge through providing research support for projects and research groups. In particular, you will be part of the Psychosis Immune Mechanism Stratified Medicine (PIMS) trial. The aim of this study is to test whether a particular pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin 6 (IL-6), contributes to the pathogenesis of psychosis, and to examine potential mechanisms by which IL-6 affects psychotic symptoms, mood, cognition, and behaviour. This is a multi-site proof-of-concept study employing randomised, parallel-group (1:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled design across Birmingham, Bristol and Cambridge. Approximately 60 participants with psychosis who have evidence of low-grade inflammation (i.e., IL-6 ≥0.7pg/ml) and inflammation-related symptoms (i.e., anhedonia and amotivation) will be randomised into two groups to receive either one intravenous infusion of normal saline (placebo) or tocilizumab (a humanised monoclonal antibody that inhibits IL-6 signalling and is licensed in the UK for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis). The primary outcome will be anhedonia (i.e., reduced ability to experience or diminished motivation to engage in pleasurable activity). Data on the primary outcome, other psychiatric, and blood samples will be collected at baseline and 7, 14, and 28 days post-infusion. Cognitive and neuroimaging data will be collected at baseline and 14 days post-infusion in Birmingham and Cambridge. In addition, we will recruit approximately 30 patients with psychosis who do not have evidence of inflammation and 30 people with no history of mental illness. 

Main Duties

• Collect research data from patients with severe mental illness
• Chair meetings with University partners and linked external stakeholders
• Analyse research data as directed with links to external partners
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Maintain site files, ethical approvals and study data
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

• Degree or equivalent in psychology or neuroscience, preferably to Masters level
• Significant practical experience of recruitment in psychosis studies including working with clinical populations
• Practical experience of multi-centre biomarker studies
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
• Requirement for DBS, Occupational Health Check and awareness of the Data Protection Act (DPA)

Informal enquiries can be made to Shahara Choudhry, email: s.h.choudhry@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

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