Research Assistant

This post offers an excellent opportunity for a Research Assistant with an interest in mental health research to work on a multi-centre randomised controlled trial of an investigational medicinal product (CTIMP).

The MIR trial is a double blind placebo-controlled randomised trial of the addition of the antidepressant mirtazapine for patients with depression in primary care who have not responded to at least 6 weeks of antidepressant treatment and is funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme.

The study will be led from Bristol, with centres in Exeter, Keele/Manchester, and Hull/York.

Based in the School of Social and Community Medicine, the post holder will have responsibility for: further developing protocols and standard operating procedures for study processes; working with the trial manager to set up systems for collection, management and reporting of data; supporting the set-up and conduct of the trial in the recruiting centres; recruiting local GP practices; and conducting the recruitment and follow-up of local trial participants. The local site spans Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire, Somerset and BANES PCTs. The post-holder will need to work in compliance with all regulatory requirements and Good Clinical Practice.

You will have experience of working on a randomised controlled trial in the UK, preferably a multi-centre CTIMP trial, in an academic, NHS or industry setting.

You will be able to demonstrate a commitment to team-working and be able to manage a complex personal workload.

You will have excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiating skills.

Funding is available for 12 months at 0.5 FTE during the recruitment phase of the study.

The post will be available from 14th March 2014 and the successful applicant will be appointed at a Grade I subject to qualifications and previous experience.