Research Assistant (Fixed Term)
We wish to appoint a Research Assistant to work on a study called the Autism GP Diagnosis Study at the Autism Research Centre (ARC), in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge. The study will evaluate whether GPs can diagnose autism as accurately as specialist clinicians with aim of reducing the long waiting lists for autism diagnosis in the UK.
The Department has an outstanding international reputation in the field of psychiatric research, rated the best psychiatry department in the UK and in Europe. The ARC's mission is to conduct research that both deepens our understanding of autism and has real-world relevance for improving the health and wellbeing of autistic people and their families. The ARC views autism as both a disability and an example of neurodiversity.
The ARC's values are summarised here: https://www.autismresearchcentre.com/our-values/. The ARC values inclusion for autistic people to maximise their wellbeing, and consults with the autism community on every research project it undertakes.
The appointee will be supervised by the project coordinator (yet to be recruited). They will also work with other members of the ARC (Prof. Simon Baron-Cohen and Dr. Carrie Allison) and collaborators at the University of Hull (Prof. Fiona Matthews) and the University of Central Lancashire (Prof. Umesh Chauhan). This study is funded by a private donation facilitated by the Cambridge University Development and Alumni Relations office.
The Research Assistant will be involved in activities including data management and liaising with study participants regarding recruitment and consent. The appointee will be required to occasionally travel to GP practices outside of Cambridge to discuss the study implementation with the practice manager.
They will also be responsible for project administration, including communicating with GP practices, research clinicians, and parents/carers of autistic children, data entry, and supporting community engagement. They will participate in team meetings. All necessary training will be provided.
The successful applicant will have a good degree in Psychology or a related relevant discipline. Experience of working on clinical studies is desirable but not essential.
Essential qualities include strong organisational and communication skills, especially with children, parents, and teachers, and excellent attention to detail, time management skills, and an ability to work independently.
Desirable qualities include experience working with autistic children, an understanding of research methods, basic statistics (e.g., use of SPSS or R), and data manipulation (e.g., using Excel).
Informal enquiries may be directed to Dr. Carrie Allison (cla29@cam.ac.uk)
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 May 2027 in the first instance.
Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a standard Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please ensure that you outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role on the online application form.
Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.
Please quote reference RN43491 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.