At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in innovative mental health research and engage with community groups.
- Company: Join Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, a leader in mental health care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, 27 days annual leave, and pay enhancements for evenings and weekends.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health while gaining valuable research experience.
- Qualifications: Good honours degree in psychology and research experience required.
The predicted salary is between 31157 - 31157 £ per year.
Grade Band 4, contract: fixed‑term 12 months (time‑limited project, some remote/homeworking may be required). Full time or part time (hours negotiable), 37.5 hours per week (pro rata). Salary: £28,392 – £31,157 per annum (pro rata). Closing date: 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.
Main duties of the job:
- 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.
Working for our organisation – key facts:
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+).
Job description and main responsibilities:
- 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:
- Experience of conducting research.
- Experience in Patient & Public Involvement (PPI) in a research setting.
Knowledge:
- 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.
Skills and abilities:
- 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.
Other:
- 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).
Pre‑employment checks:
All positions within the Trust are subject to satisfactory pre‑employment checks. 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.
Equality, diversity and inclusion:
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.
Research Assistant - WEMSS in Manchester employer: Greater Manchester Mental Health
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and promotes employee growth. With flexible working arrangements, competitive pay enhancements, and generous annual leave, staff are encouraged to thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful mental health research and community engagement initiatives in the vibrant city of Manchester.
Contact Details:
Greater Manchester Mental Health Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant - WEMSS in Manchester
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant - WEMSS in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV with Relevant Experience:In psychology, it’s crucial to highlight your relevant experience, such as internships, research projects, or any volunteer work in mental health settings. Make sure to include specific roles and responsibilities, demonstrating how you've applied theoretical knowledge in real-world situations—this is what gets us excited!
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Personal Statement: Make It Count:Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Share insights about why you’re passionate about psychology and how this role at Greater Manchester Mental Health connects with your career goals. Be honest about your motivations and what you hope to learn—this is key for a full-time position and helps us gauge your fit in our team!
Focus on Soft Skills in Your Application:Psychology is as much about people as it is about theories. Highlight your soft skills such as communication, empathy, and teamwork in your application. These traits are essential in our field and will help us see how you connect with others, so don't hold back in showcasing them!
How to prepare for a job interview at Greater Manchester Mental Health
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with Greater Manchester Mental Health, revisit key psychological theories that are relevant to the role, like cognitive behavioural therapy or humanistic psychology. Expect to discuss these during your interview, as they want to see how you apply theory to practice.
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Prepare a couple of case studies or anecdotes that demonstrate your practical experience in psychology. Whether it’s handling a difficult client or designing a psychological assessment, these stories will highlight your skills and help you stand out in your full-time interview.
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Get comfy with the ethical guidelines set by the British Psychological Society. Be ready to chat about how you ensure ethical practice in your work, as this is crucial in the psychology field, and Greater Manchester Mental Health will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
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Since you're going for a full-time gig, it’s essential to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development. Bring up any workshops, courses, or readings you’ve engaged in recently. This shows Greater Manchester Mental Health that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.
