King's College London

About us

The Department of Psychosis Studies is one of the world’s leading centres for research into psychotic disorders. We aim to advance the understanding and treatment of psychotic disorders across all stages to improve the lives of patients and their families. Our staff include clinical and non-clinical scientists with a wide range of expertise and are recognised globally as innovators of high-quality translational research.

The research group is investigating how the immune system may hold clues to how psychosis and other psychiatric disorders are caused and how people respond to treatments. We will investigate blood and cerebrospinal fluid from participants to identify the treatment-relevant immune processes, with an emphasis on immune cells, autoantibodies and inflammatory markers. If we can show causal links, our work could guide future targeted immune-based interventions.

The studies involve subject recruitment and collection of clinical data and bio samples (blood and cerebrospinal fluid) from patients. A main focus is on an exciting new prospective, longitudinal study aiming to assess the immunological basis of psychiatric symptoms as well as the immunological effects of antipsychotic treatment. It is being led by a team from KCL and the Francis Crick Institute and is unique for its interdisciplinary nature, combining expertise from clinical psychiatry,

immunology and neuroscience, with significant ongoing input from people with lived experience of psychosis.  

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to gain and develop research skills. The post-holder will join Dr Tom Pollak’s research group and play a key role in innovative studies taking a new immunologically focussed approach to understanding and treating neuropsychiatric disorders.

They will be involved in collecting and analysing research data and biosamples and collaborate closely with other research staff on the project, fostering effective working relationships with local and regional services for psychosis, neurology, rheumatology, and neuropsychiatry.

The post-holder will have opportunities to engage in data analysis and develop their research interests within the projects. They will receive training in research methods and develop skills which will be valuable for future research practice.

The role would be ideal for a candidate with an interest in the rapidly expanding fields of immunopsychiatry and mental health. There is potential to develop a project for a PhD application for a suitable candidate.

This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), fixed term for 12 months, with the possibility of extension.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1.      BSc in a relevant subject (e.g. psychology, neuroscience, neurodegenerative disorders, clinical trials, clinical neuroscience, psychiatric research, mental health studies)

2.      Interest in and commitment to mental health & psychiatric research, enthusiastic about research in these areas

3.      Ability to communicate clearly and empathically with patients with serious mental and physical illness, carers, and colleagues

4.      Experience addressing research questions, for publications, dissertation or thesis

5.      Ability to work independently, work in a team and to deadlines

6.      Highly motivated with excellent written communication and critical thinking skills

7.      Responsible and flexible with good organisational and time management skills

8.      Willingness to travel on project business when required

Desirable criteria

1.      Evidence of academic potential and trajectory (e.g. presentations, prizes, distinctions, publications depending on career level)

2.      Previous research experience, particularly in psychosis or other mental health disorders, observational research or clinical trials

3.      Knowledge of managing research data and statistical analysis software (such as SPSS or STATA)

4.      Training and/or experience with relevant clinical and / or research methods such as venepuncture procedures and recruiting participants for observational studies/trials.

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Further Information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.

As part of this commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and through this appointment process, it is our aim to develop candidate pools that include applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘ How we Recruit’ pages.

Interviews are due to be held on TBD