Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Research Practitioner

The closing date is 01 June 2025

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Practitioner with focus in statistics to join DPT to support the delivery of The PATHS Study: Perinatal Mental Health Access and Support. The PATHS Study is an NIHR funded Evaluation of interventions to support parents and co-parents experiencing mental health difficulties during the perinatal period (e.g., during pregnancy and up to two years following birth). The post-holder, under the supervision of senior colleagues, will be responsible for statistical analysis of linked, routine health care data from NHS Talking Therapies, maternity, and hospital episodes databases.

The post holders will need to demonstrate enthusiasm, commitment and exceptional organisational and communication skills. The post holder must be able to travel independently as required around Devon.

Fixed term contract until 31st August 2026

Main duties of the job

Assist with the analysis and write-up of the research using statistical procedures, statistical software and other information technology and software including word processing, spread sheet and databases as appropriate.

To provide support and guidance in the application of statistical methods to psychological approaches and techniques, and to foster reflective practice.

To maintain and build good working relationships with senior professional staff and managers in the Trust, Kings College, University of Exeter, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and other involved universities.

Communicate effectively with all stakeholders, internal and external, involved in the research project.

Provide reports, both written and verbal, to trial participants and clinical and research teams regarding the progress of the research

Maintain research databases and conduct statistical analysis of linked electronic healthcare record data in line with the study protocol.

Code and Update appropriate patient databases to accurately report on patient treatment access and outcomes.

Ensure accurate data entry, and that all data collected is stored and used in compliance with relevant statutory instruments, national and local guidelines and regulations

About us

About Devon Partnership Trust

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

Details

Date posted

19 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £36,483 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

16 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9369-25-0304

Job locations

Wonford House

Dryden Road

Exeter

Devon

EX2 5AF


Job description

Job responsibilities

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Practitioner with focus in statistics to join DPT to support the delivery of The PATHS Study: Perinatal Mental Health Access and Support. The PATHS Study is an NIHR funded Evaluation of interventions to support parents and co-parents experiencing mental health difficulties during the perinatal period (e.g., during pregnancy and up to two years following birth). The post-holder, under the supervision of senior colleagues, will be responsible for statistical analysis of linked, routine health care data from NHS Talking Therapies, maternity, and hospital episodes databases.

The post holders will need to demonstrate enthusiasm, commitment and exceptional organisational and communication skills.

Job description

Job responsibilities

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Practitioner with focus in statistics to join DPT to support the delivery of The PATHS Study: Perinatal Mental Health Access and Support. The PATHS Study is an NIHR funded Evaluation of interventions to support parents and co-parents experiencing mental health difficulties during the perinatal period (e.g., during pregnancy and up to two years following birth). The post-holder, under the supervision of senior colleagues, will be responsible for statistical analysis of linked, routine health care data from NHS Talking Therapies, maternity, and hospital episodes databases.

The post holders will need to demonstrate enthusiasm, commitment and exceptional organisational and communication skills.

Person Specification

Planning and Organisational Skills

Essential

  • Ability to work autonomously using own initiative, and as a member of a team
  • Self motivated with the ability to prioritise, organize and plan own workload
  • Diplomatic and calm under pressure.
  • Able to prioritise workload
  • Excellent computer skills able to use all Microsoft office package
  • Proficient in use of email, the internet and word processing

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of using and analysing data from psychological assessments of mental health
  • Previous experience of working with a multidisciplinary team

Desirable

  • Experience of working with patients with mental health conditions and their carers
  • Previous clinical research experience

Knowledge

Essential

  • Familiarity with the issues surrounding clinical data particularly confidentiality

Desirable

  • Clinical placements and or supervised practice in a health care setting
  • Knowledge of dementia and or mental health conditions
  • Knowledge and understanding of perinatal mental health

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree in statistics or relevant field for example psychology, or relevant experience and associated clinical qualification in the area

Desirable

  • Good Clinical Practice training

Communication and Working Relationship Skills

Essential

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Evidence of accuracy and attention to detail in data collection, and data analysis.
  • Ability to deal with the public and colleagues in a pleasant and polite manner at all times.

Desirable

  • Understanding of the needs and capabilities of patients with perinatal mental health conditions and their carers

Analytical and Judgement

Essential

  • Knowledge of GCP guidelines
  • Previous use of databases. (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R)
  • Ability to integrate complex data; make evaluations formulations and decisions

Desirable

  • Knowledge of research governance framework and current legislation
Person Specification

Planning and Organisational Skills

Essential

  • Ability to work autonomously using own initiative, and as a member of a team
  • Self motivated with the ability to prioritise, organize and plan own workload
  • Diplomatic and calm under pressure.
  • Able to prioritise workload
  • Excellent computer skills able to use all Microsoft office package
  • Proficient in use of email, the internet and word processing

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of using and analysing data from psychological assessments of mental health
  • Previous experience of working with a multidisciplinary team

Desirable

  • Experience of working with patients with mental health conditions and their carers
  • Previous clinical research experience

Knowledge

Essential

  • Familiarity with the issues surrounding clinical data particularly confidentiality

Desirable

  • Clinical placements and or supervised practice in a health care setting
  • Knowledge of dementia and or mental health conditions
  • Knowledge and understanding of perinatal mental health

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree in statistics or relevant field for example psychology, or relevant experience and associated clinical qualification in the area

Desirable

  • Good Clinical Practice training

Communication and Working Relationship Skills

Essential

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Evidence of accuracy and attention to detail in data collection, and data analysis.
  • Ability to deal with the public and colleagues in a pleasant and polite manner at all times.

Desirable

  • Understanding of the needs and capabilities of patients with perinatal mental health conditions and their carers

Analytical and Judgement

Essential

  • Knowledge of GCP guidelines
  • Previous use of databases. (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R)
  • Ability to integrate complex data; make evaluations formulations and decisions

Desirable

  • Knowledge of research governance framework and current legislation

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

Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Wonford House

Dryden Road

Exeter

Devon

EX2 5AF


Employer's website

https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Address

Wonford House

Dryden Road

Exeter

Devon

EX2 5AF


Employer's website

https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Reader in Perinatal Mental Health

Abigail Easter

abigail.easter@kcl.ac.uk

Details

Date posted

19 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £36,483 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

16 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9369-25-0304

Job locations

Wonford House

Dryden Road

Exeter

Devon

EX2 5AF


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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