Psychiatry Department Research jobs

The University of Cambridge wants a Research Assistant for their Department of Psychiatry. Have a read below and get your applications in as soon as possible.

April 2009 sees the introduction, under the Mental Capacity Act (England & Wales) 2005, of the deprivation of liberty (DoL) safeguards that are the Government's response to the judgement of the European Court of Human Rights in HL v United Kingdom (2004).

Developing a substantial body of research work already carried out by the inter-disciplinary Cambridge Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Research Group (www.ciddrg.org.uk) on the impact of legislation and policy on the lives of men and women who are vulnerable because of mental health problems, brain injury, intellectual or other developmental disabilities, we are seeking a Research Assistant, for 12 months initially, to investigate the conceptual basis of the new safeguards and their application in practice.

The post holder will work closely with a team of clinicians and researchers with backgrounds in psychiatry, psychology, social sciences, and the law. The post is available immediately and is funded for 12 months in the first instance.

You should hold an undergraduate degree (First or 2 (i)) in the social or behavioural sciences, legal studies, or a related field, with a very strong interest in research, excellent written and oral communication skills, enthusiasm for working in a team, and a strong commitment to the human rights of men and women who are unable to make some or all decisions for themselves. You will be encouraged to develop, and, with support, to seek funding for, a Ph.D. project. During the initial 12 months, it is expected that you will carry out an analysis of relevant Court rulings, both in the UK and EU, and policy documents and guidance; examine the extent to which different health and social care providers have developed the appropriate DoL procedures; investigate the assessment processes required by the DoL safeguards; compare the characteristics and circumstances of those for made subject to the DoL safeguards and those for whom a request for an authorisation of a DoL is rejected.

It is anticipated that the work will lead to recommendations to the Government and papers in appropriate academic, policy, and practice journals. The post will be based in Douglas House, Trumpington Road, Cambridge, but some travel will be required so a full driver's license and access to a car is essential. If successful, you will be required to apply for enhanced CRB disclosure.

Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to make contact with Professor Tony Holland (ajh1008@medschl.cam.ac.uk) or Dr Isabel Clare (ichc2@medschl.cam.ac.uk) before submitting an application. Please send your CV, a covering letter, and a completed PD18 form, available on the following link: www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/personnel/forms/pd/pd18rtf to: Miss Bekki Pearce, CIDDRG, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 8AH or by email to bekki.pearce@cpft.nhs.uk.