Research Psychologist

Job description

Job responsibilities

In this role, you will be part of a multi-disciplinary team working across a range of clinical and research activities at ReMind UK. Our work in the NHS contracted Memory Clinic helps us to identify and work with suitable patients for clinical trials, to develop ideas for research and to use the findings to help establish new treatments and inform best practice. The role combines clinical practice and research activities.

Hours of work, which include offsite assessments, are normally 9.00am 5.00pm, with 30 minutes lunch, but some flexibility is required. Occasional out of hours work may be necessary, for example, as related to a particular research project.

Clinical responsibilities:

Memory Clinics

• To undertake assessment of the cognitive function of patients attending the ReMind UK centre, particularly within the Memory Clinics under the supervision of the clinical team.To assist the research team in projects involving various aspects of ageing, age-related memory changes and dementia, and other research projects.
• To carry out the necessary administration duties required by the ReMind UK centre to support its efficient running.

• To keep up-to-date with relevant developments in the assessment of cognitive function and the management of patients with memory problems and dementia.

• To attend departmental meetings and other meetings as relevant including Investigator Meetings.

• To liaise with other centres including hospitals and general practices on project work and to act as an ambassador for ReMind.

• To be familiar with and work to all the Standard Operating Procedures and assist in ensuring that they are kept up to date.

Clinical Research

• To undertake assessment of the cognitive function of participants in various pharmaceutical clinical trials. This will include competing the relevant training for each trial.

• To support academic clinical research studies taking place at ReMind UK.

Professional & educational responsibilities:

• On a day-to-day basis, you will be responsible to the Senior Research Psychologist. In addition, you will have regular supervision from the Senior Research Nurse.
• The post holder will also work with the pharmaceutical company representatives and to communicate with General Practitioners and other health service and related personnel.

Professional & educational responsibilities:

• Abide by all legal and statutory regulations relating to practice.
• Comply with the legal requirements and rights of the individual according to Mental Health legislation.
• Be familiar with all ReMind UK policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and comply with these at all times and assist in ensuring the SOPs are kept up to date.
• Help to ensure that patients and carers are as fully informed as possible about their illnesses and benefits to which they are entitled.
• Assist in setting up and running Carers Courses, Cognitive Stimulation Therapy and Living Well with Dementia groups.
• Promote the work of ReMind UK to visitors, including other health professionals and members of the public, and represent ReMind UK at external functions.
• Take responsibility for on-going personal development and education, in particular regarding the clinical areas of work at ReMind UK.
• Share skills and contribute to training of new staff.
• Contribute to educational sessions, e.g. Journal Club.

Other responsibilities

• All employees are required to carry out other such duties as may reasonably be required for the smooth running of the ReMind UK centre. This may include some out of hours working to be agreed on an individual basis.
• All staff must be eligible to work in the United Kingdom.
• All staff are required to undergo DBS checks, and to sign a confidentiality agreement.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Single Honours Degree in Psychology (1st class or 2.1) which is recognised by the British Psychological Society as conveying Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership.

Desirable

• MRes/MSc in Research Methods, OR MSc in Applied/Cognitive Neuropsychology OR MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience

Experience

Essential

• Knowledge of the principles of academic neuropsychology and neuropsychological research literature.
• Understanding of the biological basis of dementia and its progression.
• Detailed understanding of research methods and statistics.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills: to work with patients and their families and carers, and to develop and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues within ReMind UK and externally, with researchers, clinicians and members of the public involved in research studies.
• The ability to work under the direct supervision of the research team, and to work independently to complete research tasks and activities.
• Good IT skills

Desirable

• Experience of or working with individuals with dementia or other neurodegenerative conditions
• Experience of carrying out cognitive assessments and/or neuropsychological assessments
• Previous research experience in the area of neuropsychology and/or dementia
• Experience of working on clinical research trials (e.g. randomised control trials or other)
• Experience of documenting results, observations, decisions and actions and communicating these effectively across the multidisciplinary team.
• Full UK driving licence and own transport insured for work use.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

ReMind UK

Address

The ReMind UK Centre

Combe Park

Bath

BA1 3NG

Employer's website

https://www.reminduk.org/ (Opens in a new tab)