Job summary
Older adults with bipolar disorder experience a range of complex and often under-recognised needs, including cognitive difficulties, physical and mental health comorbidities, reduced social support and difficulties with psychosocial functioning. This research project aims to address this gap by co-producing a group-based psychosocial intervention for older adults with bipolar and their carers.

The research is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Programme for Social Care (RPSC). It is a collaboration between Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Manchester. The project's Lead Investigators are Dr Elizabeth Tyler and Professor Steven Jones.

The post holder will be based with the Research and Innovation Department at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, which hosts a number of large mental health trials and other research studies. The post holder will also have close links with the University of Manchester, School of Health Sciences where the Lead Investigator is based.

We strive to be an inclusive research unit, and we welcome applicants from a diverse range of communities to apply for the post, including people from diverse ethnic communities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, and/or who identify as having a disability or as being neurodivergent.

Main duties of the job
The post holder will be expected to have proven and substantial experience in conducting research; for example, by having previously assisted in the running of a funded research study and/or a postgraduate (Masters or PhD) study. The post-holder will contribute to a four-stage programme of research:

• Systematic review: Lead a systematic review of existing psychosocial interventions for people with bipolar, their carers, and older adults with bipolar disorder, to inform intervention development.
• Qualitative interviews: Lead participant recruitment and conducting qualitative interviews with older adults with bipolar and carers to explore their experiences, needs and preferences. The postholder will contribute to the qualitative analysis of interview data.
• Co-production: Supporting the facilitation of co-production groups involving older adults with bipolar, carers and professionals to develop and refine the intervention. The postholder will contribute to the qualitative analysis of co-production data and its integration into intervention development.
• Intervention refinement: Contributing to the final review and refinement of the intervention, ensuring that the perspectives of people with lived experience, carers and professionals are incorporated.

About us
Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 122 locations.

We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford, Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.

Greater Manchester is one of the world's most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options.

Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity.

Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.

Details
Band: Band 5
Salary: £32,073 to £39,043 a year per annum pro rata
Contract: Fixed term, 12 months
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 437-8355475
Closing date: 02 November 2026

Essential qualifications and experience

• Good Honours Degree in a related subject (2:1 or above)
• Master's Degree or equivalent experience
• Experience of conducting qualitative research in mental health settings for stand-alone study, such as a Masters or PhD thesis or part of a funded study/trial.
• Experience of thematic analysis, framework analysis or other relevant methodology.
• Advanced computer literacy including database management, spreadsheets and word processing packages.
• Knowledge of NVIVO and Power point.
• Ability to take responsibility for planning and implementation of specific elements of the study.
• Ability to engage service users and staff participants in a research project.
• Ability to prepare and present research reports and presentations with clarity and enthusiasm.
• Must be assessed by Occupational Health as fit to carry out duties after reasonable adjustments.
• Full UK Driving licence (subject to Disability Discrimination Legislation) or an ability to travel independently across the footprint of the Trust and research sites as required by the role.

Desirable

• Doctoral degree (completed or submitted) in a health / mental health related subject.
• Experience of conducting a systematic literature review.
• Experience of working with colleagues in NHS settings.
• Knowledge of Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research

Staff benefits

• Pay enhancements
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
• Excellent pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car scheme
• Wellbeing programme
• Blue Light Card Discounts
• fuelGenie Fuel Cards (for applicable roles)

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. Apply through our website for further information.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. Apply through our website for further information.

For questions about the job, contact:
Elizabeth Tyler, Clinical Lecturer, elizabeth.tyler@manchester.ac.uk

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice is available through our website.