Research Support Assistant | Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
| Posting date: | 20 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | £27,485 - £30,162 per annum (subject to confirmation) |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 22 March 2026 |
| Location: | Preston, PR2 8DW |
| Company: | Lancashire Care Foundation Trust |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | 7823619/351-CS2862-MS |
Summary
Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust is seeking to appoint a Research Support Assistant to work closely with the research team and the University of Manchester on the delivery of an NIHR funded randomised controlled trial: EMDR for people with early psychosis (EASE Trial).
Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust is a large health and wellbeing organisation employing over 7,000 staff and serving communities across Lancashire and South Cumbria. The Trust provides a wide range of inpatient and community specialist mental health services for children and young people, adults and older adults, alongside forensic mental health services, physical health community services, and children’s services.
The Trust delivers a diverse and expanding portfolio of high quality research, including this important NIHR funded study. The EASE Trial builds on an earlier feasibility RCT and will evaluate the effectiveness of EMDR for people experiencing early psychosis and distressing life experiences. Findings from this trial will contribute directly to the evidence base for trauma informed interventions in psychosis and help shape future NHS care pathways for people at the earliest stages of psychosis.
The post holder will join a committed team of clinical and research staff who are passionate about improving mental health care through applied research. You will work alongside clinicians, academic collaborators, lived experience experts, and community partners to support participant recruitment, undertake baseline and follow up assessments, manage research data, and contribute to the smooth running of the trial. The post will be based at The Lantern Centre, Preston with travel across the region to meet participants and clinical teams.
You must hold a degree level qualification in Psychology (2:1 or above) or a related discipline, and have knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods, including an understanding of research governance, ethics, and data management. You will need to be confident in engaging with participants who may be experiencing mental health difficulties, conducting structured assessments, and using digital tools for research. Experience working within mental health services, research teams, or with under represented communities would be a strong advantage. Please ensure you meet all essential criteria before applying.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, compassionate, and self directed individual who is committed to delivering high quality, inclusive mental health research. The role requires sensitivity, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently while contributing to a supportive and values driven team.
We particularly welcome applications from people from diverse ethnic communities, LGBTQIA+ applicants, disabled applicants, neurodivergent applicants, and those with lived experience of mental health difficulties, in line with our commitment to inclusive and anti racist research practice.
LSCFT values diversity and inclusion, recognising that talent from varied backgrounds creates a flexible, creative, and effective workforce. We actively challenge discrimination and welcome applications from all, regardless of age, disability (including those with experience of accessing or caring for someone who has accessed mental health or learning disability services), ethnicity, gender, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.
Our aim is to reflect the communities we serve, so we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups. If you’d like to discuss your application, please ask.
We also welcome individuals with lived experience relevant to the role or service area, as your insight brings authenticity to our services.
LSCFT support flexible working, we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as term time, part time, compressed hours and flexi-time.
For more details on this vacancy please review the attached Job Description and Person Specification
This advert closes on Friday 6 Mar 2026