Ref WPAL134114SW

Closing date April 26^th 2014

The Health Service & Population Research Department at the Institute of Psychiatry has a vacancy for an experienced Post-Doctoral Research Worker to work on the APPLAUSE (Adolescent Precursors to Psychiatric Disorder–Learning from User-Service Engagement) project, focusing on how young people with mental health problems in Brazil and in the UK currently interact with both formal mental health services and informal social and familial support structures.

The post holder will spend the majority of their time in Sao Paulo, managing the Brazilian cohort and conducting data and research interviews, performing data analysis and dissemination activities and managing and assisting with interview training of the subcontracted staff.  This is a five-year post, and the post holder will be required to make annual trips to the UK during years 1 and 2, and will spend months 18-24 and year 5 in the UK working with the research team on analysis and synthesis of data collected and ensure harmonisation of methods. Depending on the expertise of the researcher, there is an opportunity to lead on qualitative or quantitative aspects of the project.

Inclusion of a scientist fluent in Brazilian Portuguese and familiar with Brazilian culture will be important to ensure a strong cultural basis for the research, and applicants will need to demonstrate ability to communicate effectively with colleagues in Brazil and in the UK, along with knowledge of and interest in the Brazilian mental health care system, fluency in Portuguese and familiarity with Brazilian culture and advanced English language skills (written and oral). The candidate should also have experience in conducting research, ability to analyse and research complex ideas, concepts or theories, and to apply appropriate methodologies for analysis of evidence.

This is a five year post and will appointed at Grade 6, in the salary range £31,644-£37,756 + £2,323 London Allowance per annum.

For an informal discussion of the post, please contact Dr Sara Evans-Lacko via email at Sara.Evans-Lacko@kcl.ac.uk or on 020 7848 5076