At a Glance
- Tasks: Support groundbreaking mental health research through coordination, budgeting, and administrative tasks.
- Company: Join King’s College London’s innovative SGDP Centre focused on mental health research.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in research management with a supportive and inclusive team.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a collaborative research environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in mental health while developing your career in research operations.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills, budget management experience, and excellent communication abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 32080 - 37694 £ per year.
The post is based in the Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre within the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London. SGDP is conducting groundbreaking research into the genetic and environmental influences on mental health and psychiatric disorders and hosts some of the UK’s leading longitudinal cohort and twin studies. The NIHR BioResource Centre Maudsley, based within SGDP, runs one of the world’s largest re-contactable mental health research platforms, supporting studies including GLAD and EDGI aimed at improving understanding and treatment of conditions such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders.
Professor Gerome Breen’s multidisciplinary team boasts an accomplished portfolio of clinical and genetic research focused on improving outcomes for people affected by mental health conditions. We offer a collaborative, inclusive and supportive research environment, with a strong commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.
About the role: We are recruiting a highly organised and motivated Research Programme Officer to play a central role in supporting the smooth running of a large and complex portfolio of ground‑breaking mental health research programmes. Working closely with the research programme team and reporting to the Senior Research Programme Manager, you will be responsible for the operational, financial and administrative infrastructure underpinning the programmes. This is a key coordination role at the centre of the team’s activity. You will carry out financial monitoring, support resource planning, coordinate logistics across multiple projects, and provide high-level support to the Principal Investigator and Senior Management Team.
The post‑holder will develop a good understanding of the funder terms and conditions for the project(s) providing sound advice and ensuring compliance to these and KCL policies and procedures. The role offers an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a career in research management, programme coordination or operations, with hands‑on experience in budgeting, grant support and multi‑project coordination. This is a full‑time post available ASAP, and you will be offered a fixed‑term contract initially for 2 years, with the possibility of extension subject to external funding.
About you: To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:
- Evidence of continuous professional development including internal or external training and development programmes.
- Substantial relevant experience of providing proactive administrative support in Higher Education (or similar environment) and working closely with academic staff members.
- Excellent planning and organisational skills, able to execute multiple tasks and manage competing deadlines.
- Proven ability to monitor a budget and prepare accurate costings, projections and reports.
- Excellent communication skills; demonstrable ability to understand and convey information to others and to respond to a range of queries.
- Proven ability to use initiative and judgement to solve problems and to suggest ways of working more efficiently or effectively.
- Experience using finance management software suites (e.g., Agresso/Unit4) and creating purchase orders and invoicing.
- Highly computer literate and demonstrable ability to use the Microsoft Office suite, including Outlook, Excel, Word, SharePoint and Teams.
- Prior experience supporting NHS/academic multi‑centre studies.
- Formal training in the principles of project management (e.g., PRINCE 2, AGILE, PMI).
- Qualifications in financial/data management.
- Willing to learn new techniques and skills to support service delivery.
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 CV, along with 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. The advert closes at 23:59PM on the 30th June.
Research Programme Officer employer: King’s College London
At King’s College London, we are proud to offer a dynamic and inclusive work environment within the Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, where groundbreaking research into mental health is at the forefront. As a Research Programme Officer, you will benefit from a collaborative culture that prioritises professional development and provides opportunities for career growth in research management. Our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion ensures that all employees feel valued and connected, making this an exceptional place to advance your career while contributing to meaningful research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Programme Officer
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Create a blog or a LinkedIn page where you share insights about psychology theories or current trends. This not only showcases your knowledge but can help you connect with like-minded professionals and potential employers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you find a role like Research Programme Officer at King’s College London, make your application stand out by applying directly through our website. This gives you a better chance to be seen by hiring managers. Plus, tailor your application to highlight your passion for psychology and relevant experiences!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Programme Officer
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!
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:Given the nature of psychology, we want to see your academic journey laid out clearly. Include your degree(s), grades, and any specialised courses or certifications that set you apart. If you've got published papers or presentations at conferences, be sure to mention them—it shows your commitment to the field!
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 King’s College London 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 King’s College London
✨Brush Up on Key Psychological Theories
Before stepping into the interview with King’s College London, 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.
✨Bring Real-Life Case Studies
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.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ethical Guidelines
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 King’s College London will be keen to know you’ve got integrity.
✨Showcase Your Continuous Learning
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 King’s College London that you’re not just there for a job, but genuinely passionate about the field.
