Research Associate

As a Research Associate, you will evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives, with a focus on nasogastric tube feeding in treating eating disorders. You'll collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to assess the outcomes of interventions aimed at improving mental health services for children, young people, and adults.
**Location**: Oxford/Swindon (Hybrid working available)
**About the Provider Collaboratives**: Led by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, the Provider Collaboratives unite NHS organisations like Oxford Health, Berkshire Healthcare, Gloucestershire Health, and Priory for AED. The collaborative serves areas like Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Gloucestershire, Swindon, Wiltshire, and Bath and North East Somerset, working to improve mental health services.
**Key Responsibilities**:
Evaluate ongoing initiatives, particularly nasogastric tube feeding in eating disorder treatments.
Collaborate with NHS partners to collect, analysis, and report data.
Contribute to the development of research frameworks.
Assist in disseminating findings to improve mental health service
Be an experienced senior clinician with a strong background in mental healthcare and clinical research, capable of working independently while demonstrating flexibility and creativity in problem-solving.
Take responsibility for supporting clinical team members involved in research and evaluation within the Provider Collaborative, leveraging and expanding on existing data to drive improvements.
Possess expert research and audit skills, with a proven track record of scientific publications.
Propose recommendations for policy and service development, including contributing to transformation projects, preparing for service reviews, and enhancing psychological care pathways, in close collaboration with the clinical leadership team.
As a Trust we provide physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset. Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people’s homes, delivering care as close to home as possible. Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive: “Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team”
**Our values are**: “Caring, safe and excellent”
At Oxford Health we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing. These include:
Excellent opportunities for career progression
Individual and Trust wide learning and development
27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service
NHS Discount
Pension scheme
Lease car scheme
Employee Assistance Programme
Mental Health First Aiders
Staff accommodation (waiting lists may apply)
Staff networking and support groups
Some of the responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the details outlined in the job description.
1. Review existing research and service evaluations carried out across the Provider Collaboratives relating to dietetic management of eating disorders.
2. Set up a forum for clinicians within the Provider Collaborative undertaking research and evaluation relating to the treatment of eating disorders to review/agree approach and provide support, as needed.
3. In agreement with the Clinical Directors and senior research associate, to develop the research approach and methodology using recognised tools and approaches to undertake the necessary research across both Provider Collaboratives.
At Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust we want to employ people not just with experience, but with the aptitude and motivation to succeed and whose values resonate with our own.