Research Assistant for the iCOMMEND Study Full-time

Research Assistant for the iCOMMEND Study

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. We have an inclusive, fair and respectful environment in which we support all staff and students to achieve their career goals.

We are seeking a motivated and organised Research Assistant to join the iCOMMEND Study. This is a 3-year study funded by the Motor Neurone Disease Association, which will investigate the co-production of an online version of a psychological intervention, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, for people living with motor neuron disease (MND). It will then explore the feasibility and acceptability of this approach to people living with MND and healthcare professionals supporting them, both quantitively and qualitatively. The study is led by Prof Rebecca Gould (Professor of Psychological Therapies and clinical psychologist).

The role will involve supporting the co-production and feasibility testing of an online intervention based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for people living with MND. This will include recruiting participants, obtaining informed consent, collecting data, conducting interviews and focus groups, supporting co-production workshops, conducting usability testing, and analysing qualitative data. The post holder will be based at UCL, but some travelling to other parts of the UK may be required throughout the study.

Appointment details:

This full-time post (1.0 FTE) is graded on the non-clinical research staff Pay Scale Grade 6B, the annual salary for which ranges from £39,148 to £41,833 (including London Allowance). The appointment is available from 01/04/2026 and is funded for 3 years in the first instance. Any offer of employment will be subject to a standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

This a developmental post and would be suitable for someone seeking a career in clinical research or in clinical psychology. The UCL Division of Psychiatry has an outstanding record in supporting the careers of their staff and there are many opportunities for personal development. Previous experience of recruiting participants in a health setting, a good degree in psychology or a related field, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential. Previous experience of sensitively interacting with people with life-limiting illnesses, conducting qualitative interviews or focus groups, supporting co-production workshops, and analysing qualitative data are desirable.

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 criteria outlined in the person specification. Applications will be anonymised, therefore please ensure your personal statement is fully completed as the panel will not be able to see your CV or any supporting documents uploaded. Please also ensure to include your degree class within your personal statement if applicable. Please do not upload your photograph on your application/CV.

Contact details:

If you have any queries about the role, please contact Professor Rebecca Gould at r.gould@ucl.ac.uk. 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 dop.hr@ucl.ac.uk.

What we offer:

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which 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.

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; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

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.