About us
The research base for this post is in the UCL Division of Psychiatry, with a research link to Noclor (North Central London Research Consortium; our local NHS Research Office). The UCL Division of Psychiatry, located within the Faculty of Brain Sciences, is a world-renowned centre of excellence in mental health research. Our mission is to improve mental health through cutting-edge research and education. By leveraging insights from basic science, we address clinical problems with the aim of improving patient outcomes and public health. Moreover, we take pride in delivering innovative teaching that is directly relevant to clinical practice and informed by our research. Join our team and help us drive forward the field of mental health research and education. We are seeking an enthusiastic individual with experience of qualitative research methods to work on a new grant funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme investigating the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of enhanced patient observation (EPO) in reducing the risk of suicide and self-harm for inpatients.
About the role
The main purpose of this role is to collect and analyse interview data from current or recent psychiatric inpatients, carers, and inpatient ward staff. The focus will be on exploring experiences of close observations used to manage self-harm risk (qualitative work package). Approximately 10% of the role will involve collecting data cost, activity, and good/poor practice data on close observations from NHS mental Health Trust in collaboration with our Noclor research nurse (scoping work package). Both packages contribute to the wider grant evaluating the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and acceptability of EPO. Appointee details: • The role is offered in the range of £45,103 to £52,586 per annum, including London weighting allowance. • The post is funded for 2 years full-time (part-time applications will be considered) and is available from October 2025. • Any offer of employment will be subject to a standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
About you
You will have an PhD (or be writing up a PhD) in psychology or a related scientific or social science discipline, with a good understanding and experience of qualitative research methods in the development and evaluation of health care systems or interventions. Strong knowledge of ethical considerations when working with vulnerable adults, including those related to data protection, are essential. You will have excellent interpersonal, organisational, and oral and written communication skills Application process: • A full job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page. • Please use the personal statement section to explain how you meet each essential and desirable criterion outlined in the person specification. • Please do not upload your photograph on your application. • The advert will close midnight on 14th of September 2025 • Interview will be held Tuesday 23rd of September 2025. They will be held in person, or remote for those unable to travel that day. Contact details: • If you have any queries about the role, please contact Dr Sarah Rowe at [email protected] • Further details of the project are at this site: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/psychiatry/epo • If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact [email protected]
What we offer
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, UCL also offer some great benefits, of which some are below: • 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days) • Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE) • Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan • On-Site nursery • On-site gym • Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay • Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service • Discounted medical insurance The full range of staff benefits can be found here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/pay-benefits/staff-benefits
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; and LGBTQI+ people. The Division of Psychiatry prides itself for operating in an all-inclusive environment. Teamwork is highly valued, individual strengths are recognised and celebrated, and there is a commitment to advancing the careers of everyone, regardless of gender or role. We aim to provide a family friendly environment where both women and men feel able to take the time they need for family. The Athena SWAN Charter recognises commitment to advancing women's careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in academia and the Division is delighted to have an Athena Swan Silver Award since 2022. All staff are invited to contribute to EDI initiatives within the Division to contribute to improving working conditions and opportunities for all. Mentoring is a crucial part of supporting career progression and mentoring schemes are available for staff in the Division. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/psychiatry/about/equality-diversity-and-inclusion https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/
