Research Assistant - WEMSS

Grade Band 4, contract: fixed‑term 12 months (time‑limited project, some remote/homeworking may be required)

• Full time
• Part time (hours negotiable)
• 37.5 hours per week (pro rata)

Job  
-A

Site:
Central Park – Building B – 1st floor, R&I office, Town, Manchester

Salary: £28,392 – £31,157 per annum (pro rata), Yearly, Closing 01/07/2026 23:59

The Research Assistant will work flexibly across a portfolio of applied mental health and service evaluation projects within Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust Forensic Research Unit and the Health and Justice Research Network at the University of Manchester. This includes diverse studies such as the evaluation of innovative interventions (e.g. comedy‑based interventions in prison settings) and supporting the analysis and dissemination of legacy projects (e.g. the evaluation of the decommissioning of women’s enhanced medium secure services).

The post holder will contribute to all stages of the research cycle, including study set‑up, data collection, analysis and reporting. The role will also involve supporting Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement activities, including facilitating community groups and focus sessions, and contributing to the communication and dissemination of research through social media and other public‑facing platforms.

A key aspect of the role will involve working collaboratively with clinical staff, service users and multidisciplinary teams to support the development of new research ideas and service improvement initiatives. The role is ideally suited to a highly adaptable, proactive and creative individual who is comfortable working across multiple projects and settings, can manage competing priorities and is responsive to evolving research, service and engagement needs.

• Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7,000 staff across more than 122 locations.
• We provide inpatient and community‑based mental health care for people living in Bolton, Manchester, Salford, Trafford and Wigan, and a range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the North West of England and beyond.
• We are strongly committed to ensuring our workforce is representative of the diverse communities we serve and to removing barriers to employment for candidates from under‑represented groups (BAME, Disabled and LGBT+).

• Pay enhancements – 30% additional for evenings (8 pm onwards) and Saturdays; 60% additional for Sundays and bank holidays.
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years.
• Good honours degree in psychology (at least 2:1).
• Master’s degree in a relevant subject or MRes.

• Experience of conducting research.
• Experience in Patient & Public Involvement (PPI) in a research setting.

• Knowledge of research design.
• Knowledge of research methods, including data collection and analysis.
• Good understanding of safeguarding vulnerable people.
• Knowledge of psychological approaches to severe mental illness.

• Ability to conduct literature searches.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a team player and liaise with a variety of other personnel within health and social services and with community members.
• Good presentation skills in both formal and informal settings.

• To be able to communicate effectively with service users, relatives, carers, community members and a range of professionals and non‑academics (verbally and in writing).

All positions within the Trust are subject to satisfactory pre‑employment checks. For further information on the checks required, please visit the NHS Employers website:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The Trust mandates all post holders who require a DBS for their role to subscribe to the DBS Update Service. You will be required to enrol for this service for a fee of £16 per year and maintain registration throughout your employment with GMMH.

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to ensuring our workforce is representative of the diverse communities we serve and to removing barriers to employment for candidates from under‑represented groups, including BAME, Disabled and LGBT+ communities.