Research Associate

Aston Pharmacy School

Project title: REalist Synthesis Of non-pharmacologicaL interVEntions for antipsychotic-induced weight gain (RESOLVE) in people living with Severe Mental Illness (SMI)

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with experience of applied health research to join an experienced interdisciplinary team working on a National Institute of Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research funded realist synthesis. 

The synthesis, involving both a literature review and interviews, aims to understand how we can limit and manage the weight gain associated with anti-psychotics in people with severe mental illness. Members of the team have unrivalled expertise in realist approaches and so the successful applicant stands to gain unparalleled experience and support in this novel and increasingly used approach.

Briefly, the role will involve: 

1. Developing a programme theory to understand how and why non-pharmacological interventions to manage antipsychotic-induced weight gain work (or not) for particular groups of people with severe mental illness.

2. Developing and implementing search strategies (with information scientist support), accessing, selecting and reviewing relevant documents and managing databases.

3. Leading on obtaining the appropriate ethical and governance approvals.

4. Interviewing key stakeholders (clinicians, patients and carers) using “realist interviews” to explore and refine the programme theory developed from the literature.

5. Analysing and synthesising data from the literature and interviews to develop practical guidance for service users and clinicians on managing antipsychotic-induced weight gain.

6. Dissemination: producing the final report to the NIHR, and writing and contributing to papers for peer review publication.

For full details of this role read the Role Description. For informal enquiries please contact: Dr Ian Maidment, Principal Investigator (i.maidment@aston.ac.uk; 0121-204-3002).

Remote working and a secondment may be possible.

The interview date will be confirmed is due course, but is likely to be early to mid October.

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.  It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, including race and sexual orientation, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

We recognise the value of flexible working.  Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk

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