Job summary
A Clinical Research Practitioner (CRF) at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust (BSMHFT) supports the safe, ethical delivery of high-quality mental health research to improve patient care and services.

The post holder will identify and recruit participants for DECODE, a research-ready platform for treatment-resistant depression. They will work with the Mood Disorders Research Group, the Mental Health Mission - Midlands Translational Centre, the University of Birmingham and BSMHFT.

Responsibilities include liaising with clinical teams; screening, recruiting and monitoring participants; maintaining site files; collecting accurate data; completing relevant clinical assessments; and meeting research governance requirements.

The post holder will report to the Senior Programme and Operations Manager and works closely with the multidisciplinary Mood Disorders Research Group led by Professor Steven Marwaha.

The ideal candidate will have project support experience, strong interpersonal and organisational skills, and the ability to build relationships, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in clinical settings.

BSMHFT offers an inclusive, supportive environment, strong academic partnerships and opportunities to develop specialist research and clinical skills while contributing to research with real-world impact.

Main duties of the job
The Clinical Research Practitioner will support the delivery of DECODE study and other related mood disorder projects. Key duties include identifying and recruiting eligible participants, obtaining informed consent, collecting and recording research data, and supporting participant follow-up in line with study protocols. The role also involves liaising closely with clinical teams and research colleagues, maintaining accurate study documentation, and ensuring all research activity meets ethical, governance and regulatory standards. You will contribute to monitoring study progress and supporting high-quality, safe research delivery within clinical settings.

You will have strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage sensitively with service users, carers and clinical staff. Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail are essential, alongside confidence in using IT systems and managing data accurately and confidentially. You will need a good understanding of clinical environments and an interest in mental health research, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. A proactive, flexible approach and a commitment to high-quality, person-centred research are key to succeeding in this role.

Please see job description for details of the main duties and responsibilities required for the role.

About us
Welcome to Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Our 4000 clinical and support staff help us to improve mental health wellbeing and meet the needs of the 70,000 people we serve each year. We provide a range of mental healthcare services across Birmingham and Solihull, as well as specialised services nationally. We also offer medical, nursing and psychology training and are proud of our international reputation for both research and innovation.

Our population is culturally diverse, characterised in places by high levels of deprivation which create an increasing demand for our services and a necessity for us to make sure everyone can access the help they need. We are a team of compassionate, inclusive and committed people working together to provide excellent care to support our community. If you are looking for a place to belong, where you can make a real difference to people's lives, join our team where our warm welcome is waiting for you.

Details
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 6
Salary: £39,959 to £48,117 a year Per annum, Pro rata
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 436-8371987

Essential skills

• Good Computer skills (MS Package, Excel, PowerPoint)

Desirable skills

• Ability to use variety of Trust and research IT programs such as EDGE, databases, ICE, PEPR

Essential knowledge and experience

• Formal Research Training
• Research experience (paid or voluntary) working as a researcher with at least 6 months of this being within the mental health field
• Professional familiarity with mental health and/or social care practice and terminology

Desirable knowledge and experience

• Experience working in an NHS environment with service user contact
• Previous clinical trials experience

Essential training and qualifications

• Degree in Psychology or Health Professional Qualification
• ICH Good Clinical Practice

Desirable training and qualifications

• Relevant postgraduate qualification
• Phlebotomy Trained

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
Address: The Barberry, 25 vincent drive, Birmingham, B15 2FG, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.bsmhft.nhs.uk/

For questions about the job, contact: Opeyemi Odejimi, Senior programme and operations manager, opeyemi.odejimi@nhs.net, 07985883973

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