Research Assistant (Part Time)
- Field Based
- Depending on Experience
- Other
- Part time
- Closes 10 Dec 2026
- Field Based
- Depending on Experience
- Closes 10 Dec 2026
- Part time
- Other
- Other
Helping others improve and turn their lives around – there’s no better feeling. It’s what we do for thousands of people at more than 150 sites across the UK. Be a part of it.
Research Assistant (2.5 days per week permanent post)
We are looking to employ a part time Research Assistant to work with the Cygnet research and development team.
The days per week can be flexible but need to include every Wednesday and the third Thursday in the month. There would also be an expectation that the successful candidate would be present for the research meeting on the third Wednesday of the month.
Whilst it is possible to do much of this role remotely, there are times when it is necessary to attend a meeting face to face with the supervisor who is based at Cygnet St Williams in Durham.
In this dedicated team you will work alongside the Research & Development Lead to facilitate the smooth running of the research ethics process.
Typical roles will include but are not limited to:
- Responding to research queries and offering advice and support when needed.
- Preparing minutes from meetings.
- Preparing research proposals in readiness for meetings and arranging for reviewers and attendance of researchers at the meeting.
- Administrative roles such as managing the research emails, (and liaising with researchers to follow up where needed).
- Collating response letters to researchers following ethical reviews of their proposals.
- Developing and delivering teaching and promotional materials to enhance research within Cygnet.
- Completing audits of research folders.
- Producing clinical governance minutes and statistics for clinical board and governance meetings.
- Attending the monthly research and development team meeting and acting as a lead reviewer.
In addition to the roles outlined all members of the research and development team are supported and encouraged to carry out their own research and you would be provided opportunity to do this within the role.
As you will be supervised by a clinical psychologist this is an ideal role for someone who is looking for further research experience to enhance applications for psychology training.
You will need:
To have a psychology degree or other experience with a grounding in research.
Some knowledge of research methods & processes.
Desired:
- Knowledge of specific qualitative or quantitative methodologies.
- An understanding of the REC process.
- Experience of carrying out research and of the ethics review processes required for this.
- To be able to apply analytical thinking to reviewing proposals and supporting others to develop their ideas into research projects.
What next?
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Founded in 1988, Cygnet is a leading UK provider of specialist mental health services, learning disability services, autism support and social care.
With services across the UK, Cygnet supports thousands of people every day through a wide range of inpatient and community-based services designed to help people achieve better outcomes and live healthier, more independent lives.
Our teams work across hospitals, residential services and supported living environments, supporting young people and adults with complex mental health needs, learning disabilities, autism, acquired brain injuries and eating disorders. Every service is centred around providing safe, compassionate and person-focused care.
At Cygnet, we believe that everybody deserves the opportunity to live a life that feels meaningful, fulfilling and hopeful. That means creating environments where people feel supported, respected and empowered to make progress at their own pace.
Support looks different for every individual. For some people, it may involve helping them regain confidence and independence following a period of mental ill health. For others, it may mean providing specialist support around communication, daily living skills or emotional wellbeing. Whatever the journey looks like, our focus is always on helping people move towards a more positive future.
Our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do. Every day, they help people achieve milestones that can have a lasting impact — whether that’s building trust, developing new skills, reconnecting with loved ones or taking steps towards greater independence.
Because of this, working at Cygnet is about far more than delivering care. It’s about building genuine relationships, creating opportunities for recovery and helping people realise their potential.
Many of our roles don’t need previous experience in healthcare or social care. What matters most is sharing our values (Care, Respect, Empower, Trust and Integrity) and a genuine desire to support others. In return, Cygnet provides comprehensive training, ongoing development and clear opportunities to build a rewarding long-term career.
For many colleagues, the most rewarding part of the role is knowing they’ve made a meaningful difference to somebody’s life.
At Cygnet, those moments matter every single day.