Job Description

The Early Intervention in Psychosis service (EIS) is a community based, multidisciplinary service for all people experiencing a first episode of psychosis. This post will support embedding research into EIS in SLaM, enriching and improving the clinical care provided.



The post will support a new cohort study that will be looking to streamline routine outcome data collection from all people within the EIS, pioneer the use of mobile phone apps at scale for patient reported symptoms, and align with blood sample collection, for use in future genomic analysis and personalised medicine.



This post will work with Dr Katherine Beck and Prof James MacCabe, and the Early Intervention Mission leadership team to develop this work. The post will play an important role in bridging between the Psychosis Department (King's College London) and the clinical team. There will be plenty of opportunities to get experience in research in multiple different settings, from the laboratory to the clinic and to develop projects according to particular interests.



This will be the ideal post for someone looking to gain experience in clinical research with a view to considering a future clinical academic career. Although the main focus is on delivering the research project objectives, there will be the opportunity for some clinical work to aid embedding in the team and support the integration between clinical and research work.

1) Research :

Manage own research and administrative activities, within guidelines provided by senior colleagues



Contribute to wider project planning, including ideas for new research projects



Contribute to the design of research materials and make arrangements for data gathering



Gather, analyse, and present qualitative and/or quantitative data from a variety of sources



Run day-to-day administration of the research project



Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone.



Provide staff and participants with information about the purpose of studies, the resources required and be a point of contact for staff involved.



Collect and maintain data and study documentation and ensure that all data collected, stored and used is done so in compliance with regulations



Adhere to Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP), Research Governance



Provide written or verbal reports regarding the project progress.



Support the management team in the event of inspection from a regulatory and/or monitoring authority



Engage in multi-disciplinary meetings and reviews where appropriate



2.) Providing medical input to for patients attending EI services. This includes but is not limited to:



Comprehensive clinical assessment. Production of clinical reports and maintenance of clinical databases. Explaining treatment options to patients and carers. Communicating with GPs, CMHTs, and secondary physical health services.

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) provide the widest range of NHS mental health services in the UK. We work closely with the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London and are part of King's Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre. There are very few organisations in the world that have such wide-ranging capabilities working with mental illness. Our scope is unique because it is built on three major foundations: care and treatment, science and research, and training.



SLaM employ around 5000 staff and serve a local population of 1.1 million people. We have more than 230 services including inpatient wards, outpatient and community services. Currently, provide inpatient care for approximately 5,300 people each year and treat more than 45,000 patients in the community in Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark; as well as substance misuse services for residents of Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich.



By coming to work at SLaM, you will gain experience of being part of an organisation with a rich history and international reputation in mental health care. You will have access to professional development and learning opportunities, and have the chance to work alongside people who are world leaders in their field.

Job Purpose:

The Early Intervention in Psychosis service (EIS) is a community based, multidisciplinary service for all people experiencing a first episode of psychosis. This post will support embedding research into EIS in SLaM, enriching and improving the clinical care provided.



We have now received funding from UK Mental Health Mission to further support research activity within the EI services. The post will support a new cohort study, the Early Intervention Mission, that is being funded by the Mental Health Mission, that will be looking to streamline routine outcome data collection from all people within the EIS, pioneer the use of mobile phone apps at scale for patient reported symptoms, and align with blood sample collection, for use in future genomic analysis and personalised medicine.



This post will work with Dr Katherine Beck and Prof James MacCabe, and the Early Intervention Mission leadership team to develop this work. The post will play an important role in bridging between the Psychosis Department (King's College London) and the clinical team in order to fulfil the study research objectives in accordance with the funding. There will be plenty of opportunities to get experience in research in multiple different settings, from the laboratory to the clinic and to develop projects according to particular interests. This will be the ideal post for someone looking to gain experience in clinical research with a view to considering a future clinical academic career. Although the main focus is on delivering the research project objectives, there will be the opportunity for some clinical work to aid embedding in the team and support the integration between clinical and research work.



The role will allow the development of research and clinical skills while working with people with severe mental illness. It is ideally suited to those with an interest in a clinical-academic career and building towards future applications to an academic clinical fellowship and/or doctoral training programmes.

EDUCATIONAL/RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES:

The role will allow the development of research and clinical skills while working with people with severe mental illness. It is ideally suited to those with an interest in a clinical-academic career and building towards future applications to an academic clinical fellowship and/or doctoral training programmes.



There are regular educational meetings and attendance is strongly encouraged. There will also be educational opportunities through the Mental Health Mission.

Key Responsibilities:

1.) Responsibilities will be commensurate with competencies as established through external and internal training, including GCP and research study specific training.



Manage own research and administrative activities, within guidelines provided by senior colleagues Contribute to wider project planning, including ideas for new research projects Contribute to the design of research materials and make arrangements for data gathering Gather, analyse, and present qualitative and/or quantitative data from a variety of sources Run day-to-day administration of the research project Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group or alone Support study delivery by undertaking research activities outlined in approved study documents; facilitate the informed consent process as per legislation and the Mental Capacity Act, and develop and maintain skills, experience and competence in research processes. Provide staff and participants with information about the purpose of studies, the resources required and be a point of contact for staff involved. Collect and maintain data and study documentation and ensure that all data collected, stored and used is done so in compliance with relevant statutory instruments, national and local guidelines and regulations Adhere to Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP), Research Governance Framework, national and local practices and policies Provide written or verbal reports regarding the progress of the research to the research team Support the management team in the event of inspection from a regulatory and/or monitoring authority Engage in multi-disciplinary meetings and reviews where appropriate

2.) Providing medical input to for patients attending EI services. This includes:



Comprehensive clinical assessment including the use of structured interviews, standardise scales, cognitive assessments, physical examinations, assessment of adherence. Production of clinical reports and maintenance of clinical databases. Explaining treatment options to patients and carers. Communicating with GPs, CMHTs, and secondary physical health services. Assessing capacity and ability to consent.

3.) Autonomous Working

Prioritise work in an effective manner Work effectively and independently seeking advice where appropriate Maintain collaborative research relationships with NHS, CRN and University staff

Performance Management

To receive regular supervision in accordance with Trust policy guidelines To maintain and build on skills and competencies through annual appraisal and Personal Development Plans and attend training that takes account of evidence-based practice and contributes to the team objectives. To undertake continuous professional development To work in accordance with all policies and procedures, including the support of equal opportunities and social inclusion.

4.) This post does not carry its own on-call responsibilities but if the post holder wishes to join the on call rota this may be negotiable.