Research Assistant - Non-invasive brain stimulation to improve fatigue in multiple sclerosis

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Department of Psychology

£15.36 hourly pay + £1.85 per hour holiday pay

Ongoing role - academic year

On Campus

25 Sep 2025

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Research Assistant - Non-invasive brain stimulation to improve fatigue in multiple sclerosis

Job Description

The current opportunity is available for current Manchester Met students, to apply you must be based in the UK for the duration of the role.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a relatively common disorder that affects the brain. The symptoms of MS include problems with movements and with sensory perception, and cognitive problems. The most common symptom is fatigue.

At present there is no cure for MS, but there are a number of treatments that may relieve symptoms in some people. In this project we want to test if non-invasive brain stimulation can help with the symptoms of fatigue. For this we will use transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which uses a mild electric current to slightly enhance brain activity.

The main purpose of this role is to provide research support to colleagues and support staff for a project funded by the Faculty of Health & Education, by assisting with research data collection and analysis, and the dissemination of findings to appropriate research groups and contacts related to the project. The project is based in the Brooks Building at Manchester Met, and is led by Dr Nick Davis (School of Psychology) and Dr María B. Sánchez (Department of Health Professions).

Dates: 1 October 2025 - 31 August 2026

Hours: Weekly hours will be flexible, up to the maximum allowed for students.

Location: The project will mainly be based in the Brooks Building, or other lab spaces on campus

Key Tasks

Research Activities

Coordinating the recruitment of people with MS from the local area.
Undertake neuroscientific research using a combination of methods, including questionnaires, assessment of human movements, and collection of brain images. Data from these techniques will be analysed using a combination of specialist tools and standard software (e.g. SPSS, Excel, etc.).
Parts of the research will involve the lab's tDCS equipment, and may involve use of the University's MRI scanner. Full training and safety assessment will be provided for these technologies.
Plan and prioritise own work and resources, within research project framework, in order to determine the most effective way to achieve agreed research objectives.
Conduct literature and database searches using standard techniques and methods.
Write up results of own research and prepare for presentation to research team and relevant stakeholders.
Contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
Use initiative and judgement to develop appropriate techniques in order to facilitate research work and resolve problems affecting the achievement of objectives and deadlines.

Liaison and Networking

Present research to the team and in appropriate articles for publication, such as academic/professional journals or conferences.
Participate in internal and external partnerships and networks in order to aid the dissemination of research findings, to share best practice, and to enhance the reputation of the University.

Service Provision

Proactively and effectively engage with quality assurance procedures to ensure that University standards are upheld.
Collaborate with academic colleagues on research development and future direction.

Team Working

Actively participate as a member of the research team, offering general help and guidance to others and PhD students who may be assisting with the research project.
Attend Faculty, Department and Programme meetings/boards as appropriate to proactively contribute to decision making.
Introduce new starters to the area, giving training on basic skills and activities to assist their induction to the team.
Assist in the supervision of taught postgraduate and/or research students, as required, to support the development research skills.

Miscellaneous

You have a legal duty, so far as is reasonably practicable, to ensure that you do not endanger yourself or anyone else by your acts or omissions. In addition, you must cooperate with the University on health and safety matters and must not interfere or misuse anything provided for health, safety and welfare purposes.
You are responsible for applying the University’s Equal Opportunities Policy in your own area of responsibility and in your general conduct.
You have a responsibility to promote high levels of customer care within your own areas of work.
Such other relevant duties commensurate with the grade of the post as may be assigned by the Manager in agreement with you. Such agreement should not be unreasonably withheld.
You have the responsibility to engage with the University’s commitment to Environmental Sustainability in order to reduce its waste, energy consumption and carbon footprint.
You have the responsibility to engage with the University’s commitment to delivering value for money services that optimise the use of resources and therefore should consider this when undertaking all duties and aspects of your role.

Person Specification

This role is only open to current Manchester Met students who meet the criteria below:

Essential

* Ability to undertake research by preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of experiments.
* Ability to use initiative, creativity and judgement to develop appropriate approaches in order to further research.

* Proficiency in the use of relevant software packages such as SPSS and Microsoft Office.
* Possess sufficient breadth or depth of knowledge to work within an established research team.

* Experience of data collection

* Experience of presenting and communicating complex information to a range of audiences, both orally and in writing
* Experience of prioritising work independently and as part of a team in order to deliver individual and team objectives

* Experience in working with the wider public

Desirable

* Knowledge of fatigue in multiple sclerosis, including an understanding of relevant research methods and techniques in the area.

* Background in Psychology, Physiotherapy, or other behavioural science

How to Apply

Please apply via the Apply button, completing the form on the next page and attaching your covering letter and CV, as a single document, in either .docx (preferred for accessibility) or .pdf format.

The deadline for applications is 11:59pm on Thursday 25 September 2025

Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to supporting the rights, responsibilities, dignity, health and wellbeing of staff and students through our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

We are committed to providing accessible and inclusive recruitment. If you require or would benefit from support or reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in work, please contact us by e-mailing [email protected]. This information will only be used and shared with those who require it to implement any change(s) and only at the point this is required.

If you have any queries, or need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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