Research Assistant x3

About us

The Addictions Department, also known as the National Addiction Centre (NAC), 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’

About the role

The researcher position will play a crucial role in supporting and contributing to an exciting and challenging new research trial - PRET (the Prison Release Engagement Trial) which will test an app-driven support system for individuals with previous problem heroin use released from prison to improve post-release continuity of care. The post holder will support effective collaboration and coordination of research activities.

The appointee will be responsible for recruiting and interviewing prisoners in 1-3 prison sites. Successful applicants will be required to maintain good communication with healthcare staff in their participating sites. They should have good knowledge of how opioid use disorder is treated in prisons and the provision of treatment in the community. The post holder will work within the wider project team at the Addiction Sciences Building at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience. There are three research posts.  Three researchers will be appointed to work from home, be required to travel to prisons in either Cardiff and Bridgend (Wales), Hull, Humber or Wakefield (Yorkshire) or Preston and Lancaster (Lancashire).

There may be times the successful applicant will have to work outside of the core 9am-5pm office hours to support with prison releases. Regular meetings with team members will take place online monthly with additional face to face meetings in London. Appointment subject to successful prison clearance.

These are full time posts (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract until 30/6/2027

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.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

• BSc in Psychology or related field
• Research experience particularly conducting quantitative research and/or working on a clinical trial.
• Previous experience of working in addiction treatment services and/or in the prison system.
• Understanding of the special challenges of providing treatment for addiction problems within the prison system as well as in community settings.
• Understanding of the objectives of the PRET study, including awareness of the challenges involved and the need to work collaboratively to develop solutions.
• To be self-motivated and able to organise and manage own workload while working remotely. 
• Proactive attitude, showing initiative when faced with challenges and demonstrating problem-solving skills.
• Have access to a car, insurance and a UK driving licence

Desirable criteria

• MSc in Addiction or a related field
• Knowledge of the process of prison-release and continuity of care in the community.
• Willing to work flexible hours including some early mornings or evenings

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