At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the delivery of innovative AVATAR therapy in NHS settings and optimise software for real-world use.
- Company: Join the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Europe's leading mental health research community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, fixed-term contract, and the chance to make a real difference in mental health care.
- Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking research that transforms mental health treatment and improves lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in clinical research or psychology is preferred; passion for mental health is essential.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career development opportunities in a dynamic research environment.
The predicted salary is between 53947 - 58426 £ per year.
About Us
The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) is the largest academic community in Europe devoted to the study and prevention of mental illness and brain disease. The IoPPN pioneers research into new and improved ways of understanding and treating mental ill health.
About the role
AVATAR therapy involves the use of a digital simulation (avatar) of the entity the person believes is the source of the voice in a three-way discussion between participant, avatar and therapist, focusing initially on managing anxiety and helping the participant to stand up to the avatar (phase 1) followed by a realistic enactment of the ascribed character of the voice, targeting processes that are specific to an individualised formulation (phase 2). The first multi-centre RCT showed that both brief and extended forms of the therapy show significant reductions in voice-related distress, with wider effects on wellbeing. In March 2024 AVATAR therapy received a NICE-Early Value Assessment recommendation for deployment in the NHS for the purpose of real-world evidence generation. Our long-term vision is that AVATAR therapy is optimised for delivery in clinical settings, with the impact that a novel effective treatment for distressing voices is readily adopted in UK and international clinical settings.
The current role is within a Wellcome funded study which involves real-world pilots of AVATAR therapy in frontline NHS services (AVATAR-RW). Working as part of the KCL-based lead team alongside Dr Tom Ward (Co-PI), Dr Clem Edwards (Co-PI) and Dr Amy Hardy (Co-Applicant) the core role purpose is to support the successful delivery of the AVATAR-RW project against the following aims:
- To optimise AVATAR therapy software for real-world deployment. The Avatar Therapy System as delivered in the recent AVATAR2 trial is a Class 1 medical device registered by Avatar Therapy Ltd (Technology Partner). Stakeholder engagement with those with lived experience, NHS collaborators and AVATAR therapists will support optimisation of the platform for real-world deployment and harness the experience gained through previous work in NHS settings during the AVATAR2 trial.
- To establish effectiveness and cost-effectiveness in routine care. We will train frontline clinicians across 4 NHS Trusts to deliver AVATAR therapy within NHS care pathways. In line with NICE-EVA recommendations, the proposal is a prospective controlled cohort study with 12-month follow-up, delivering real-world evidence on clinical and cost-effectiveness across diverse routine care settings.
- To establish a reliable and sustainable method for real-world outcome monitoring. Gathering data on outcomes in routine clinical care is a challenge. We will therefore co-produce accessible, reliable and reportable measures of outcomes that can be embedded within the AVATAR therapy software and delivered as part of a routine therapy session.
- To conduct a process evaluation of AVATAR therapy implementation. A logic model will be developed at the start of the project to support implementation. A mixed-method process evaluation will be co-produced with front-line clinicians and patients to understand routine care implementation of AVATAR therapy across diverse service users and identify barriers and enablers.
This is a full time post (35 hours per week) and you will be offered a fixed term contract for 2 years. £53,947 to £58,426 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance.
Trial Coordinator employer: King's College London
Contact Detail:
King's College London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trial Coordinator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of mental health and research, especially those connected to the IoPPN. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by understanding AVATAR therapy inside out. Familiarise yourself with its phases and the impact it has on mental health. This will show your genuine interest and help you stand out during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you submit your application through our website, follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your skills in real-world settings. If you have experience in clinical environments or working with diverse service users, highlight this in conversations. It’s all about demonstrating how you can contribute to the AVATAR-RW project!
We think you need these skills to ace Trial Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role of Trial Coordinator and the specifics of AVATAR therapy. This will help us see your genuine interest and how you can contribute to our mission.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! We want to see how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Make it personal and relevant!
Showcase Your Passion: Let us know why you’re excited about working with the IoPPN and AVATAR therapy. Share any relevant experiences or insights that demonstrate your enthusiasm for mental health research and innovation.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at King's College London
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the AVATAR therapy and its significance in mental health treatment. Familiarise yourself with the latest research, especially the findings from the recent RCT. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder engagement is key in this role, think about how you would approach discussions with those who have lived experience or NHS collaborators. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with diverse groups in the past.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
The role involves optimising software and establishing effective monitoring methods. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous projects and how you overcame them. Highlight your analytical skills and creativity in finding solutions.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the AVATAR-RW project and its implementation. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals. Think about the future of AVATAR therapy and how you can contribute to its success.