Research Assistant in the Department of Forensic & Neurodevelopmental Sciences London, England
King's College London
Full Time
London, England
34502 - 37314 GBP ANNUAL Today
Job description
Job description
This role will support ongoing data collection on a recently launched project whose aim is to investigate differences in neurotransmitter regulation of brain function in autistic and non-autistic adults. This will involve using pharmacological challenges such as psilocybin to probe the role of major neurochemical pathways in brain using EEG, MRI and psychophysics methods (see https://compasspathways.com/compass-pathways-to-fund-study-of-comp360-psilocybin-in-autistic-adults/).
This project will provide extensive experience and an important stepping-stone for a researcher interested in further projects at King’s and within neurodevelopmental and/or psychopharmacology research more generally.
The post-holder will work within the Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences and Psychology.
The post-holder will be expected to recruit participants into the study and oversee remote, but primarily in-person data collection data.
The post-holder will be expected to show initiative, problem-solving, a sensitivity to participant needs and preferences in capturing accurate, and representative data. The post-holder will have direct interactions with research participants and be involved in screening, including of mental health, to ensure inclusion/exclusion criteria are carefully assessed. The post-holder will be responsible for coordination of study visit days and scheduling repeated visits. This will involve liaising with MRI centre and other researchers using EEG testing facilities.
This post will be offered on a full-time, fixed term contract for 18 months.
Key responsibilities
- Coordinate and work as a member of the team using brain EEG, MRI and psychophysics methods to assess brain response differences to single dose administration of psilocybin in adults (autistic and non-autistic individuals).
- To recruit and screen potential participants for inclusion
- To work with a team of clinicians, research workers and PhD students at KCL to ensure smooth running of study visits
- To collect blood samples on study visit days (training given)
- To maintain study databases and manage strict separation of identifiable and de-identified datasets.
- To organise and attend meetings with study team.
- To track the project’s progress as relates to tasks, deliverables and milestones committed to funders and data collected by Sponsor R&D office.
- To support the PI with administration and contribute to departmental research on neurodevelopment where needed.
- Work effectively and proactively with researchers in the study team and department
- Communicate complex information both orally and in writing.
- Help oversee the coordination of the project
- Make day-to-day decisions in carrying out this project and will be expected to consult line manager when making major decisions.
- Support standard operating protocols to deliver robust research
- Update and maintain a secure study database
- In-person coordination and support of participants during data collection on study visit days.
- Contribute to publications through careful characterisation of study cohorts
- collaborate with interdisciplinary teams as described above, to participate in team meetings, and to keep records of all meetings as required
- Help support the PI with on-going research operational/administrative tasks where appropriate
The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.
Skills, knowledge, and experience
Essential criteria
1. At minimum a relevant BSc Degree with knowledge of neurodevelopmental conditions and mental health (e.g. Psychology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Neuroimaging)
2. Experience in recruitment
3. Experience in data collection including observational developmental assessments (such as ADOS) and MRI and/or EEG or willingness to be trained
4. Phlebotomy experience or willingness to be trained.
5. Experience of working with neurodivergent individuals
6. Experience of working with those with mental health difficulties
7. Co-ordination/Organizational experience
8. Ability to work in a multidisciplinary collaborative
9. Highly self-motivated and ability to organize time efficiently
10. Excellent interpersonal & communication (written & verbal) skills
Desirable criteria
1. Understanding of working in a range of clinical setting(s)
This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service and Occupational Health clearance.
