Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Research Assistant - BIG EASE Trial

The closing date is 08 April 2026

Job summary

The post is to work as a Research Assistant on the EASE Trial, an NIHR randomised controlled trial (RCT) that aims to examine the value of EMDR for people with early psychosis, and a history of distressing life experiences. An earlier innovative feasibility RCT (EASE feasibility trial) indicated that this treatment is acceptable and safe for people with first episode psychosis.

The EASE Trial is an exciting opportunity to become involved in building on this evidence base.Whilst we know that EMDR for psychosis (EMDRp) can be effective for trauma symptoms for people who have psychosis, there is limited research on whether EMDRp is effective for symptoms of psychosis itself. This trial will contribute to the evidence base, which will inform the care offered in NHS settings for early signs of psychosis.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be responsible for recruiting eligible participants to the trial, conducting assessments using validated clinical measures to confirm the eligibility of participants, and to conduct baseline and follow up assessments. Administrative requirements will include timely and accurate documentation, updating clinical records, and managing record-keeping databases.

This post will involve travelling to, and working across, multiple locations including NHS settings and participants' homes. Hence, the post holder must be comfortable lone working, within a supported and structured risk management protocol. Applicants should be able to work warmly and sensitively with people experiencing distress, and be able to manage their own wellbeing using available supervision and support structures.

Knowledge of audit, research design and data analysis is essential. Experience of using a structured psychiatric interview would be advantageous. Experience of recruiting research participants from diverse communities that are often under-represented in research would also be beneficial for the role. We particularly encourage applicants interested in developing their own skills and knowledge, and contributing to the wider research team.

About us

Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over7000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than122locations.

We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford,Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.

Greater Manchester is one of the world's most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options.

Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity.

Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.

Details

Date posted

25 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£27,485 to £30,162 a year Pro rata per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Home or remote working

Reference number

437-7854095

Job locations

Central Park - Building B - 1st floor R&I office

Northampton Road

Manchester

M40 5BP


Job description

Job responsibilities

See attached detailed job description and person specification:

Staff benefits

  • Pay Enhancements 30% additional for Evenings (8pm onwards) and Saturdays and 60% additional for Sundays and Bank holidays.
  • 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
  • Excellent pension
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Salary sacrifice car scheme
  • Wellbeing programme
  • Blue Light Card Discounts

Job description

Job responsibilities

See attached detailed job description and person specification:

Staff benefits

  • Pay Enhancements 30% additional for Evenings (8pm onwards) and Saturdays and 60% additional for Sundays and Bank holidays.
  • 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
  • Excellent pension
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Salary sacrifice car scheme
  • Wellbeing programme
  • Blue Light Card Discounts

Person Specification

Education/Qualifications

Essential

  • Good honours degree in psychology (at least 2:1).

Desirable

  • Masters in relevant subject or master's in research (MRes).

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of conducting research
  • Experience of collecting and analysing qualitative data

Desirable

  • Have experience in Patient & Public Involvement (PPI) in a research setting

Knowledge

Essential

  • Have knowledge of research design
  • Knowledge of research methods, including, data collection and analysis
  • Good understanding of safeguarding vulnerable people

Desirable

  • Knowledge regarding psychological approaches to severe mental illness.

Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Ability to conduct literature searches.
  • Ability to work collaboratively as a team player and liaise with a variety of other personnel within health and social services and with community members
  • Ability to use statistical software e.g. SPSS
  • Good presentation skills in both formal and informal settings

Other

Essential

  • To be able to communicate effectively with service users, relatives, carers, community members and a range of professionals and non-academics (verbally and in writing).
Person Specification

Education/Qualifications

Essential

  • Good honours degree in psychology (at least 2:1).

Desirable

  • Masters in relevant subject or master's in research (MRes).

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of conducting research
  • Experience of collecting and analysing qualitative data

Desirable

  • Have experience in Patient & Public Involvement (PPI) in a research setting

Knowledge

Essential

  • Have knowledge of research design
  • Knowledge of research methods, including, data collection and analysis
  • Good understanding of safeguarding vulnerable people

Desirable

  • Knowledge regarding psychological approaches to severe mental illness.

Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Ability to conduct literature searches.
  • Ability to work collaboratively as a team player and liaise with a variety of other personnel within health and social services and with community members
  • Ability to use statistical software e.g. SPSS
  • Good presentation skills in both formal and informal settings

Other

Essential

  • To be able to communicate effectively with service users, relatives, carers, community members and a range of professionals and non-academics (verbally and in writing).

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Central Park - Building B - 1st floor R&I office

Northampton Road

Manchester

M40 5BP


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Central Park - Building B - 1st floor R&I office

Northampton Road

Manchester

M40 5BP


Employer's website

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


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Trial Manager

Kate Allsopp

kate.allsopp@gmmh.nhs.uk

Details

Date posted

25 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 4

Salary

£27,485 to £30,162 a year Pro rata per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Home or remote working

Reference number

437-7854095

Job locations

Central Park - Building B - 1st floor R&I office

Northampton Road

Manchester

M40 5BP


Supporting documents

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