Research Assistant

**Main function**
To contribute to research within specialist area, carrying out supporting work that helps lead to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.
- **Main Duties and Responsibilities**
- To undertake research, e.g. by planning, preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of experiments
- Actively participate within the research group, communicating and presenting research at meetings, through publications and other recognised avenues as appropriate, ensuring information is communicated to internal and external partners
- To contribute and support research publications and presentations as required
- To contribute and support research funding bids as required
- To analyse and communicate complex ideas, concepts and data using appropriate methods and packages
- To resolve issues and support colleagues in devising procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
- To generate research output and contribute to the development of independent and original ideas as appropriate
- To provide support in research activities for undergraduate courses and research programmes and provide guidance to other members of staff within the research team
- To maintain and update area of specialist knowledge, researching and critically appraising relevant literature within the area.
- To recruit individuals with intellectual disability or other neurodevelopmental conditions caused by a genetic deletion or duplication and to maintain involvement of the participants.
- To develop a study protocol to assess sleep behaviour and physiology and cognition, working together with the children and their families
- To conduct psychiatric interviews, assess neurocognitive function and obtain blood and saliva samples from participants.
- To liaise with healthcare professionals and teams at other universities to facilitate patient recruitment and assessment for the study.
- To travel UK-wide to assess patients in their own homes. This can require long distance travel/driving, consecutive overnight stays away from home and some assessments will take place outside of normal working hours.

**Other**
- To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
- To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
- To ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties
- To abide by the University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity
- Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

**Person Specification**

**Essential Criteria**
Qualifications and Education- Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- 2. Knowledge of research methods and techniques within specialist field:
- a. Genetic syndromes and major psychiatric disorders.
- b. A good understanding of data storage and protection- Demonstrable experience in:
- c. Conducting and organising research projects.
- d. Working with people with learning disabilities, neurodevelopmental issues or mental health problems.
- e. Working with children.
- 3. Proven ability to analyse complex information and summarise appropriately- Communication and Team Working
- 5. Proven communication skills, including presentation to various audiences
- 6. Excellent organisational and team-working skills
- Other
- 7. Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and teamworking within work
- **Desirable Criteria**
- 2. Possession of a full valid driving licence is required.
- 3. Experience taking biological samples from participants (blood/saliva).
- 4. Experience of using the REDCap Database.- 6. Good understanding of the principles of conducting, interpreting and scoring psychiatric interviews both children as well as adults.

**Additional Information**

**IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria**Salary Range Min.**
- 32,332

**Salary Range Max.**
- 34,980

**Job Category**
- Academic - Research, Health, Medical & Dental

**Grade**
- Grade 5