Research Assistant (fixed term) (MED reference: MED143925

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant within the Academic Unit, Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences. The purpose of this role will be to assist and support the RELMED (Reinforcement Learning Mechanisms of Pharmacological Treatments in Depression) project research team in carrying out academic research. RELMED is a multi-site Wellcome Trust funded research project which aims to understand which computational (reinforcement learning) mechanisms are engaged by different antidepressant treatments and through this improve targeting of future treatments for clinical depression. 

The successful applicant will work closely with Dr Nixon, the Principal Investigator in Nottingham and the broader, national RELMED study team (led by UCL). They will liaise with professionals working in GP practices, secondary care centres, Talking Therapy and research clinics in order to recruit and assess people with depression. The Research Assistant must be able to work onsite at the University of Nottingham and with our partners in the NHS.

You will join an established team, led by Dr Nixon, whose main areas of research interest include mood disorders. 

The School of Medicine recognise the importance of continuous professional development and therefore the importance of providing opportunities, structured support and encouragement to engage in professional development each year.   

To find out more about the School of Medicine, its values, vision, teaching and research, please see our further information leaflet. 

You must have experience in mental health research, with some experience of working in clinical environments (including research with clinical participants), a BSc or higher degree, willingness to work in a inter-disciplinary team and be proficient with software used in research.

The University of Nottingham provides generous employment packages whilst supporting the well-being of our staff to help them reach their full potential. As a university employee, you will have an excellent choice of benefits and rewards, including:

A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environmentA hybrid working arrangement with the blended approach of home and office working each weekGenerous holiday entitlement of 27 (30) days (or pro rata) plus standard bank holidays and five university closure days including closure between Christmas and New Year.Our reward scheme grants bonuses of numerous values for excellent workWe are committed to staff development through the provision of training, continued support, and career progression opportunitiesYou will have access to a range of benefits and rewards, including fitness and health facilities, staff discounts, travel schemes and many more. To find out more about what we can offer you, follow the link to our benefits website

Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy please click ‘Apply Now’ to complete your details.

This job is available on a fixed term contract until 31st March 2029.

Your working hours will be full-time as 36.25 hours per week, though we encourage you to apply if you prefer to work less than full time. Please specify your preferred hours in your application. We may also consider job share arrangements.

Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

Please contact Dr Neil Nixon, neil.nixon@nottingham.ac.uk if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

 

Closing Date: 19 Jun 2025 Category: Research and Teaching (R&T)