Job Title: Research Assistant
Department: Psychology & Pedagogic Science
Reports To: Dr Kate Lawrence
Responsible for: Working on a randomised controlled clinical trial assessing the impact of a
probiotic drink in children with ADHD
Band: E, spinal point 18
Salary: £9,502 per annum, based on full time salary £23,754 per annum
Hours: 14.4 hours per week (0.4 FTE)
Term: 15 months
Research Project Information:
The project is a Waterloo Foundation funded research study assessing a novel dietary intervention in
children with ADHD. The Research Assistant will work on a randomised controlled clinical trial assessing
the impact of a probiotic drink on behaviour, sleep and the gut microbiome in children with ADHD. The
project is a multi-institution and cross-disciplinary collaboration, combining the fields of psychology, nutrition
and microbiome science.
Job Purpose:
Working with the project’s research team, the Research Assistant will be required to assist with running the
research project including: recruitment; liaising with support groups and families; administrating online
questionnaires; conducting online assessments; organising distribution of research materials; quantitative
analysis and academic writing, in order to help the research team achieve its agreed goals and objectives.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
• Under the supervision of the principle investigator, conduct qualitative or quantitative research e.g.
preparing, setting up, and conducting research questionnaires/experiments, liaising with families,
and conducting literature searches
• Perform basic data collection using a variety of appropriate techniques as directed by the principle
investigator
• Assist with analysis and writing up the results as directed by the principle investigator
• Contribute to the dissemination of research findings by producing reports and academic
presentation materials
• Contribute to the presentation of relevant results at conferences and other venues if required
• Contribute to the planning of the research project
• Liaising with research colleagues and other research departments within the Faculty, and at other
institutions, on issues pertaining to the research project on routine matters
• Assisting the lead researcher with the day to day administration and organisation of the research as
necessary.
• Plan own day to day research activity within the framework of the agreed programme
• Be familiar with research ethics requirements and the principles of good research practice
• Any other duties as may be reasonably required within the general scope of the role
• Ensures all activities undertaken follow the University’s Safety Policy
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Assessed by
Essential
(E) Skills
Selection Criteria Application Interview
Desirable Test
(D)
Knowledge and Qualifications
First degree or equivalent in relevant subject E √
Post-graduate qualification in relevant subject D √
Understanding of quantitative research methods
used in the field
E √ √
Skills and Abilities
Proven research skills
E √ √
Excellent IT skills including the use of Microsoft
Office, SPSS, and other software packages
E √ √
relevant to research activities
Effective communication skills, both written and
verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering E √ √
presentations.
Proven organisational skills, including the ability to
prioritise, plan ahead and deliver agreed targets. E √ √
Experience of working in a Clinical Trial team D √ √
Ability to acquire new transferable skills E √ √
Experience working with children and families D √ √
Personal Attributes
Self-motivated and flexible, able to work on own
initiative without close supervision E √ √
Ability to work effectively as part of team E √ √
Enthusiastic and keen to get involved in all aspects
of the project
E √ √
University Policies and Procedures
All staff are expected to undertake their work in an inclusive, fair, safe and respectful manner, particular
consideration should be given to the University values.
St Mary’s University reserves the right to change and amend this Job description/Person
Specification in accordance with the changing requirements of the organisation.
