Job Description

ASCEnD is an open label randomised controlled trial investigating the clinical and cost-effectiveness of an aripiprazole and sertraline combination compared to quetiapine for the treatment of bipolar depression. The study is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment (HTA) panel and led from Newcastle. The study is largely conducted remotely, with participants completing assessment scales on-line and being remotely monitored by RAs based in Newcastle.
Main duties of the job
Under the supervision, the post-holder will:

• Carry out participant follow-up visits including safety monitoring assessments and escalate appropriately as required.
• Liaise with colleagues in other parts of the UK and local research teams.
• Undertake other reasonable activities to ensure the effective running of the study as required by line managers.
• Collation and input of ongoing research data into relevant databases and files.
• Summarise research data for the preparation of oral and written reports.
• Attend training in administering mood assessments, questionnaires, Good Clinical Practice and anything additional as appropriate.

About us
We aim to attract and retain a diverse, talented and committed workforce, who are caring and compassionate, and therefore able to meet the demands of the modern NHS now and in the future. In return we can offer a dynamic working environment in which to build a career.
NHS Employees identified as at risk of compulsory redundancy and those eligible for the NENC Re-Deployment careers hub will receive prior consideration.
This Research Assistant (RA) post is based within the Northern Centre for Mood Disorders (NCMD), funded by CNTW Trust Research Capacity Funding, to support a number of ongoing research studies but with a particular focus on the ASCEnD study. The NCMD is a collaboration between Newcastle University and CNTW Trust, whose focus is conducting international standard research into the nature and treatment of mood disorders.
Details
Date posted
23 December 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
27,485 to 30,162 a year per annum
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
9 months
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
263-SS25-088-JW
Job locations
Wolfson Research Centre (CAV)
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
NE4 6BE
Job description
Job responsibilities
The primary role of the RA post holder will be to undertake a caseload of study participants with the purpose of monitoring study participants safety and timely completion of research activities. The post holder will also be expected to undertake administrative duties, provide cover for other RAs and maintain study documents. In addition, the RA post holder may be involved in supporting other studies being conducted in NCMD.
Across the breadth of work being undertaken, there will opportunities to gain both clinical and research experience. As such, this is an ideal opportunity for someone who wishes to have a career in mental health research or is interested in ultimately pursuing a career in Clinical Psychology.
The post is funded until the end of August 2026 with the potential to be extended. The selection process will comprise a task-based assessment and an interview with a panel. The task will evaluate your ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures, and skills in communication, risk assessment, data entry and record keeping.
Please find attached job description for full details.
Advertising date : 23rd December 2025
Closing date : 16th January 2026
We welcome your application. Job description
Job responsibilities
The primary role of the RA post holder will be to undertake a caseload of study participants with the purpose of monitoring study participants safety and timely completion of research activities. The post holder will also be expected to undertake administrative duties, provide cover for other RAs and maintain study documents. In addition, the RA post holder may be involved in supporting other studies being conducted in NCMD.
Across the breadth of work being undertaken, there will opportunities to gain both clinical and research experience. As such, this is an ideal opportunity for someone who wishes to have a career in mental health research or is interested in ultimately pursuing a career in Clinical Psychology.
The post is funded until the end of August 2026 with the potential to be extended. The selection process will comprise a task-based assessment and an interview with a panel. The task will evaluate your ability to follow Standard Operating Procedures, and skills in communication, risk assessment, data entry and record keeping.
Please find attached job description for full details.
Advertising date : 23rd December 2025
Closing date : 16th January 2026
We welcome your application.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Degree (Psychology or Social Sciences preferred) or equivalent relevant experience
• CNTW/Research/NJ/1614 Educated to ECDL level or willing to undertake qualification within an agreed timescale

Desirable

• GCP certificate.

Knowledge & Experience
Essential

• An understanding of clinical research frameworks.
• Familiarity with the presentation of mood disorders.

Desirable

• Experience in clinical research delivery.
• Experience in record keeping to GCP standards.
• Experience of working with people with mood disorders.
• Experience of discussing sensitive topics around patients' mental health and assessing risk factors such as suicide.
• Experience developing and/or following Standard Operating Procedures.

Skills
Essential

• Communication skills.
• The ability to work independently and use one's initiative, with strong organisational skills and capacity to manage varied workload.
• Ability to engage with patients with a mental health diagnosis.
• A meticulous and methodical approach to work, maintaining appropriate documentation and record keeping.
• Numerate, with a good level of computer literacy and IT skills.

Desirable

• Academic writing skills.
• An ability to work effectively across a range of clinical and academic research settings.

Interest
Essential

• An interest in research.
• An interest in working with people with a mental health diagnosis.

Desirable

• An interest in mood disorders.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Degree (Psychology or Social Sciences preferred) or equivalent relevant experience
• CNTW/Research/NJ/1614 Educated to ECDL level or willing to undertake qualification within an agreed timescale

Desirable

• GCP certificate.

Knowledge & Experience
Essential

• An understanding of clinical research frameworks.
• Familiarity with the presentation of mood disorders.

Desirable

• Experience in clinical research delivery.
• Experience in record keeping to GCP standards.
• Experience of working with people with mood disorders.
• Experience of discussing sensitive topics around patients' mental health and assessing risk factors such as suicide.
• Experience developing and/or following Standard Operating Procedures.

Skills
Essential

• Communication skills.
• The ability to work independently and use one's initiative, with strong organisational skills and capacity to manage varied workload.
• Ability to engage with patients with a mental health diagnosis.
• A meticulous and methodical approach to work, maintaining appropriate documentation and record keeping.
• Numerate, with a good level of computer literacy and IT skills.

Desirable

• Academic writing skills.
• An ability to work effectively across a range of clinical and academic research settings.

Interest
Essential

• An interest in research.
• An interest in working with people with a mental health diagnosis.

Desirable

• An interest in mood disorders.

Skills Required