Research Assistant/ Research Associate

About us:

The emphasis of our research is on ‘what works’ in the prevention and treatment of substance misuse: the Addictions Department represents a network of clinicians, researchers and clinical teachers who have a shared commitment to excellence in prevention and treatment work, and to supporting and strengthening national and international endeavours in this field. Over the last 30 years, our staff have developed a body of research evidence that has informed the development of new treatment services for alcohol, smoking and drug problems in the UK. This work ranges from trials of new therapies and preventative treatments to studies seeking to understand the genetic and biological basis of addictive behaviour.

The Addictions Department is one of the most productive addictions research groups in Europe. We represent an important area of health-related study as the Addictions Clinical Academic Group (CAG) within King’s Health Partners, and form one of the core areas of the Academic Health Science Centre that brings together university partners King’s College London with the NHS from South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, King’s College Hospital, and Guy’s and St Thomas’. RAND Europe rated our work on Substance Abuse Research as leading in the field. Substance Use Disorders is one of the main themes of the NIHR Maudsley BRC which is based at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN).

About the role:

We are recruiting up to three posts at either Research Assistant (Grade 5) or Research Associate (Grade 6) level. Appointment grade will depend on qualifications and experience. Research Associates will take on additional responsibilities including supervision and coordination of junior research staff.

The post holder(s) will play a key role in the delivery of the NIHR-funded SUPPORT trial, a large multi-site randomised controlled trial evaluating a Recovery Check-In intervention for adults with substance use disorder. The post holder(s) will work as part of the central research team based at King’s College London, supporting trial delivery across NHS and third-sector sites.

The roles will involve conducting researcher-administered study assessments with participants (via telephone or video call) following enrolment, maintaining accurate study records and databases, and liaising with site teams to coordinate data collection and follow-up activities. The post holder(s) will work closely with the Trial Management Group and wider study team to ensure the trial is delivered in accordance with the approved protocol, regulatory requirements, and Good Clinical Practice, contributing to high-quality data collection and the smooth day-to-day running of the trial.

The Research Associate (Grade 6) will additionally provide day-to-day supervision and coordination support to Research Assistants working on the trial.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 31st May 2029.

Research staff at King’s are entitled to at least 10 days per year (pro-rata) for professional development. This entitlement, from the  Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, applies to Postdocs, Research Assistants, Research and Teaching Technicians, Teaching Fellows and AEP equivalent up to and including grade 7. Visit the  Centre for Research Staff Development for more information.

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