About the role
We invite applications for a Research Assistant post in the NIHR Policy Research Unit in Mental Health (MHPRU). The MHPRU has been commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care to undertake policy-relevant research projects, and provide a rapid response research service, to meet the funder’s requirements.
The MHPRU is led by Professor Sonia Johnson at UCL. The MHPRU team are drawn from UCL, Kings College London and University of York. The project requires effective collaboration and joint working by a research team based across these sites. The programme of work for the MHPRU includes a broad spectrum of topics in mental health policy, and will change as new projects are commissioned. Current and future projects are expected to involve: Early Support Hubs for children and young people; work on mental health crisis care and MHA detentions; factors associated with A&E use and mental health hospital admission for children and young people; and support for family carers of people using mental health services. Our work often involves national surveys of clinical practice, qualitative interviewing, analysis of routine national and local data, and literature reviewing. For more information about the MHPRU, please see our website:
Appointment details:
1. The post is graded on the non-clinical research staff Pay Scale Grade 6B, the annual salary for which ranges from £38, to £41, (including London Allowance).
2. This full-time post is available from December and offered until 30 September in the first instance. Job shares and flexible working arrangements will be considered.
About you
This post is suitable for a candidate with some previous research experience and knowledge about mental health services who wishes to contribute to top quality research which can inform policy decision-making. Knowledge and experience mental health services in the NHS, social care and voluntary sector is an asset for this post.
This is a developmental role and would be particularly suitable for someone seeking a career in mental health services research. The post-holder would benefit from having a good grasp of research skills related to both qualitative and quantitative work, as well as reviewing literature. Experience in co-production and service user and carer involvement in research, as well as experience of working with policy makers are also desirable. The post-holder will also be expected to assist with administrative, organisational, and communication tasks for the PRU, such as helping to update the website and maintain a social media presence.
Personal lived experience of mental ill health and using mental health services is relevant experience for this post and we welcome applications from people with this experience.
Application process:
3. A full job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.
4. Please use the personal statement section to explain how you meet each essential and desirable criteria outlined in the person specification.
5. Please do not upload any additional documents (transcripts, papers, or other reports).
6. Please do not upload your photograph on your application/CV.
Contact details:
7. If you have any queries about the role, please contact Professor Brynmor Lloyd-Evans at
8. If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
9. 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
10. Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
11. Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
12. On-Site nursery
13. On-site gym
14. Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
15. Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
16. Discounted medical insurance
The full range of staff benefits can be found here: