Research Assistant (ED

This review provides an insightful overview of the Research Assistant position within the newly established Bath Mental Health Research Group (MHRG) at the University of Bath. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about improving the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.

About the Opportunity:

The Bath Mental Health Research Group (MHRG) is an exciting new initiative, funded for its initial five years by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). Its core mission is to conduct applied research focused on enhancing the health and wellbeing of individuals aged 12-25 within the local region. A key strength of the MHRG is its commitment to involving those with lived experience and diverse stakeholders in shaping its research agenda, ensuring a person-centered and impactful approach.

About the Role:

The Research Assistant role is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative, inter-disciplinary environment and values engagement with a variety of stakeholders. You will play a vital role in supporting data collection, analysis, and dissemination for pilot interventional studies. These studies will focus on two critical areas:

• Digital interventions for common mental health difficulties.
• Low-stigma interventions designed to mitigate risk factors for young people who have experienced adverse childhood experiences.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Impactful Research: Contribute directly to improving the mental health outcomes of young people, a critical and growing area of public health.
• Professional Development: The University of Bath strongly supports staff development, offering a minimum of 10 days of pro rata professional development per year. This includes access to training, apprenticeships, and LinkedIn Learning, fostering significant career growth.
• World-Class Supervision: Work alongside leading clinicians and academics, gaining invaluable mentorship and exposure to cutting-edge research methodologies.
• Collaborative Network: Be part of a project that partners with the Universities of Bristol and Exeter as part of the GW4 network, offering ample opportunities to collaborate with a wider research community.
• Comprehensive Benefits: The University of Bath offers a robust benefits package designed to support employees, including:
  • Free counselling services.
  • Cycle to work scheme and electric vehicle salary sacrifice.
  • Staff discounts on gym membership, postgraduate tuition, and language courses.
  • Generous pension contributions and annual leave, including discretionary days for work-life balance.
  • Relocation allowance and visa reimbursement for eligible candidates.
• Inclusive Environment: The University of Bath is committed to diversity and inclusion, celebrating differences and encouraging applications from all backgrounds, particularly under-represented groups. They are an Athena SWAN Silver award recipient, a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, an accredited Disability Confident Leader, and an autism-friendly university.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Educational Foundation: An undergraduate degree (e.g., BA, BSc) in a relevant subject is a prerequisite for this role.
• Research Experience: While previous experience in children's and young people's mental health research is desirable, it is not essential. The MHRG prioritizes candidates with strong commitment, enthusiasm for the subject, and relevant research skills.
• Methodological Exposure: Experience with standardized assessment tools, physiological stress measures (like cortisol), or wearables (like actigraphs) is advantageous but not mandatory. Comprehensive training will be provided for all necessary methods.
• Location: This role requires regular in-person attendance at the University of Bath and may involve travel to research sites in the local area (Bath and North-East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire). It is not a remote position.

This Research Assistant position offers a significant opportunity to contribute to vital research in a supportive and dynamic academic environment. For those looking to build a career in mental health research, particularly within the field of youth mental wellbeing, this role at the Bath MHRG presents a compelling and rewarding path.