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- Tasks: Lead research integrating lived experiences into mental health studies and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Company: Join a leading institute at King’s College London focused on innovative mental health research.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements, part-time role, and the chance to influence significant research.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in precision psychiatry and shape the future of mental health treatment.
- Qualifications: PhD or relevant experience with lived experience groups and qualitative research skills.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About us
The post will be based in the KCL Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, within the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN). The centre offers a diverse research environment that is open, welcoming and supportive to all. The faculty-wide initiatives are supported by an active Diversity & Inclusion Team.
The Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre is uncovering the genetic and environmental influences on mental health and psychiatric disorders. Our research encompasses behavioural genetics, molecular genetics, experimental psychology and psychiatry, and neuroimaging. Scientists at the SGDP lead some of the UK’s foremost longitudinal cohort and twin studies including TEDS, eRISK, Dunedin, IMAGEN and GLAD.
The NIHR BioResource Centre Maudsley leads the NIHR BioResource for Mental Health. We focus on recruiting participants experiencing mental health conditions, as well as healthy people. Alongside GLAD MHG and The GLAD study, Prof. Breen’s team boasts an accomplished portfolio of clinical and genetic studies which aim to improve treatment and outcomes for those affected by anxiety, depression, eating disorders and other mental health conditions.
About the role
We are seeking a passionate and committed Lived Experience Researcher to join Professor Gerome Breen’s internationally recognised team at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience at King’s College London. This unique role sits within the GLAD-MHG Omics Cohort, one of the UK’s most ambitious precision psychiatry initiatives, hosted in the NIHR BioResource Centre Maudsley and supported by the UK Government’s Office for Life Sciences.
The GLAD-MHG Omics Cohort builds on the existing NIHR BioResource GLAD Study (>38,000 participants) and is based at KCL’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience. The new programme will recruit an additional 12,000 individuals with recurrent MDD, including 2,500 with longitudinal biosampling. High-quality blood samples will be collected for whole-genome sequencing, epigenetics, and biomarker profiling, alongside detailed digital phenotyping (wearables, speech AI) and NHS medical record linkage. All data will be securely integrated and curated within the DATAMIND Trusted Research Environment, ensuring national and international impact.
As a Lived Experience Researcher, you will ensure that participant perspectives are embedded throughout the project – from shaping recruitment and study materials, to guiding analytical priorities and interpreting results. You will work closely with researchers, clinicians, and industry partners, ensuring that this internationally significant dataset is not only scientifically rigorous but also authentically patient-centred.
The role will be hosted in the highly supportive departmental environment of the Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre. You will work with a team committed to incorporating lived experience expertise and supporting lived experience researchers within our group.
This is a rare opportunity to influence one of the world’s largest and most deeply characterised mental health cohorts, to further develop skills at the interface of research and public involvement, and to make a lasting impact on the future of precision psychiatry. We would welcome applications from people with direct lived experience in an area/areas relevant to the work.
This role will be offered as a part time position at 0.6FTE (3 days per week) but we are happy to explore flexible working arrangements. You will be offered a fixed term contract starting from 1st April 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) until 31st March 2030.
About you
To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
- Essential criteria
- PhD in a relevant subject area OR expertise gained through working with those with lived experience.
- Experience supporting and engaging with lived-experience groups, and/or a strong understanding of the value of lived experience involvement.
- Experience in patient and public involvement, coproduction approaches and Good Clinical Practice.
- Experience of qualitative research, data management, reflexive thematic analysis or realist evaluation.
- Experience of collaborating with and building consensus among a wide range of stakeholders (e.g. people with lived experience, clinicians, academic teams, industry).
- Experience in research ethics, data protection, and GDPR.
- Experience of coaching or mentoring.
GLAD Senior Lived Experience Research Lead - Strand, London, WC2R 2LS employer: KINGS COLLEGE LONDON
Contact Detail:
KINGS COLLEGE LONDON Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land GLAD Senior Lived Experience Research Lead - Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how your lived experience aligns with their mission. We want you to shine and show them why you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share your journey and how it relates to the role. We believe that your unique experiences can make a huge impact, so don’t hold back!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace GLAD Senior Lived Experience Research Lead - Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role and the organisation. Dive into the job description and get a feel for what they’re looking for. This will help you tailor your application to show how your experience aligns with their needs.
Be Authentic: When sharing your lived experience, be genuine! We want to hear your story and how it relates to the role. Don’t shy away from discussing challenges and how they’ve shaped your perspective – that’s what makes you unique!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm shine through in your application. Explain why you’re excited about this opportunity and how you can contribute to the GLAD-MHG Omics Cohort. A little passion goes a long way in making your application stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to complete your application smoothly!
How to prepare for a job interview at KINGS COLLEGE LONDON
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the GLAD study and the role of a Lived Experience Researcher. Familiarise yourself with the key projects, like the NIHR BioResource and the Omics Cohort, so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Passion
This role is all about lived experience, so be ready to share your personal journey and how it shapes your understanding of mental health. Highlight any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to patient-centred research and public involvement.
✨Engage with the Team
Research the team you’ll be working with, especially Professor Gerome Breen’s work. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their ongoing projects and how collaboration with various stakeholders is crucial for success in this role.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the team’s approach to incorporating lived experience into research. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the environment is the right fit for you.
