Research Support Assistant
The closing date is 17 March 2026
Job summary
Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust is seeking to appoint a Research Assistant in Mental Health Research to work closely with the research team on the delivery of an NIHR-funded feasibility trial: Culturally adapted Psychoeducation (CaPE) for African and Caribbean people living with bipolar disorder in the UK.
Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust is a large health and wellbeing organisation employing over 7,000 staff and serving communities across the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System. The Trust provides a wide range of inpatient and community specialist mental health services for children and young people, adults and older adults, alongside forensic mental health services, physical health community services, and children's services.
The Trust delivers a diverse and expanding portfolio of high-quality research, including this important NIHR Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) study. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in a new feasibility trial led by Dr Dung Jidong, investigating a culturally adapted psychoeducation programme designed to improve outcomes for African and Caribbean individuals living with bipolar disorder. Findings from this study will directly inform the development of a future full-scale clinical and cost-effectiveness trial and contribute to shaping more inclusive and culturally responsive NHS mental health services
Main duties of the job
The post-holder will join a committed team of clinical and research staff who are passionate about improving mental health care through applied research. You will work alongside clinicians, lived-experience experts, community partners, and academic collaborators to support participant recruitment, data collection, community engagement, and the coordination of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) activities. The post will be based in Preston, with travel across the NorthWest region and regular attendance to the University of Manchester.
You must hold a degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline and have knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods, including an understanding of clinical trial processes and recruitment procedures. You will need to be confident in data collection, participant engagement, and the use of digital tools for research. Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams, NHS services, or community settings particularly with African and Caribbean communities would be a strong advantage. Please ensure you meet all essential criteria as a minimum before applying. We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-directed, and culturally aware individual who is committed to contributing to high-quality, inclusive mental health research.
About us
LSCFT values diversity and inclusion, recognising that talent from varied backgrounds creates a flexible, creative, and effective workforce. We actively challenge discrimination and welcome applications from all, regardless of age, disability (including those with experience of accessing or caring for someone who has accessed mental health or learning disability services), ethnicity, gender, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.
Our aim is to reflect the communities we serve, so we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. If you'd like to discuss your application, please ask.
We also welcome individuals with lived experience relevant to the role or service area, as your insight brings authenticity to our services.
LSCFT support flexible working, we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as term time, part time, compressed hours and flexi-time.
The wellbeing of our people is at the heart of everything we do. We offer a wide range of resources, tools and support to help you thrive both in and out of work.
Explore our full wellbeing offer here: Keeping our workforce well
Details
Date posted
03 March 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
£27,485 to £30,162 a year per annum
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
12 months
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
351-CS2864-LW
Job locations
The Lantern Centre
Preston
PR2 8DW
Employer details
Employer name
Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
Address
The Lantern Centre
Preston
PR2 8DW
Employer's website
https://www.lscft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Supporting documents
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