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'll 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.