Senior Research Fellow

Full Time Fixed Term until 30/11/2028

This role builds on a newly funded NIHR research (NIHR305518, PI: Dr Valeria Parlatini) aiming at testing a new method to select ADHD medication based on pre-treatment clinical, cognitive and physiological characteristics in adults and children with ADHD. 

The successful candidate will be leading in recruitment, testing, and treatment of adult participants taking part into the study, and supporting recruitment, testing and monitoring at the children’s sites as required, in accordance with the research protocol and guidelines. They will be undertaking research-related tasks as agreed with the fellowship-holder, including ensuring all necessary approvals are obtained and adhered to (e.g. ethics, governance); managing databases; organising project meetings and documentation (including liaison with patient and public involvement -PPI -representatives); and ensuring accurate and timely formal reporting to the funding body. They will also contribute to related data analyses, projects, publications and grant applications within the research team, as agreed with the PI; and disseminating findings eg by presenting at academic events and submitting to peer-reviewed journals.

We welcome applications from individuals who have a relevant clinical background to ensure safe prescribing of the test dose, accurate blind investigator-rated symptom ratings, monitoring of physiological parameters and side effects, and participant support during the two-month treatment period. As part of this role, the successful candidate will develop related research proposals and projects as part of a PhD programme under the primary supervision of the PI. Previous research experience in the area is recommended. 

The post-holder will join our multidisciplinary research team in the Centre for Innovation for Mental Health, School of Psychology, University of Southampton. Our group uses a range of experimental methods including experimental cognitive psychology, psychopharmacology, psychophysiology and neuroscience methods to better understand the aetiology and treatment of neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions, with a particular expertise in ADHD:

(https://www.southampton.ac.uk/research/institutes-centres/centre-for-innovation-in-mental-health).

For informal enquiries please contact:

Dr Valeria Parlatini, PI on this research project (v.parlatini@soton.ac.uk).

The School of Psychology is recognised for world-leading, high-impact research, supported by excellent research facilities (REF2021). These include excellent clinical-academic links with NHS services, and purpose-built laboratories for neuropsychological/cognitive testing, social interaction and behavioural observation, therapeutic intervention and psychopharmacology, and child/family studies. Facilities include functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), neurostimulation (TMS/tDCS), psychophysiology, pain research including quantitative sensory testing (QST), eye-tracking, virtual reality and multi-sensory processing.

We are an ambitious and successful School providing a friendly, supportive and inclusive working environment located on the beautiful Highfield Campus at the University of Southampton. We recognise that employees may wish to have working patterns that fit with their caring responsibilities or work-life balance, including flexible and part-time working. Due consideration will be given to applicants who have had career breaks for reasons including maternity, paternity or adoption leave, disability or illness. The School of Psychology holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award demonstrating our commitment to equal opportunities and gender balance in the workplace. The University of Southampton holds an Athena SWAN Silver Award. 

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. 

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