We are looking for a research fellow to help us manage the next stage of our NIHR funded GREENGAGE. We have successfully done our feasibility and are now working on a pilot of the randomised control trial and process evaluation of a nature-based intervention for people with mental ill health. The overall aim of the project is to test and finalise the processes for undertaking a definitive, fully-powered RCT of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a group, nature-based intervention. Can you help us deliver the pilot?!

This NIHR-funded post is available immediately until end of March 2026. Job reference : R93701
Application closing date : 22/09/2024. We are based on the very lovely Penryn campus of The University of Exeter, however there is flexibility as to how much time you might spend working in Cornwall.

We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher to oversee and manage this multi-centre pilot randomised controlled trial and process evaluation of group, nature-based activities for mental health (GREENGAGE). The successful candidate will play a leading role in planning, coordinating and completing the study to time and to target, as part of a multidisciplinary team. They will have knowledge of applicable national regulations, and be able to provide regulatory and/or governance advice where required. They will have excellent communication and presentation skills, together with the ability to organise and motivate others. Key activities and deliverables will include: supporting sponsorship and ethics permissions, convening oversight committee meetings, overseeing the budget, establishing and managing data collection and storage systems, ensuring compliance with the protocol and approved processes, establishing and managing files systems, oversight of recruitment systems, regular liaison with study sites and other members of the team, and monitoring study progress to ensure adherence to the study plan

You will need a PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study (such as health services research, medicine, social science). You will understand the processes and regulations supporting successful RCTs and trial management processes. You will have previously used of relevant software such as REDCap. You will have strong project management and organizational skills, and be familiar with managing research budgets and developing trial management files systems.

For more information contact Prof Ruth Garside, R.Garside@exeter.ac.uk or Dr Becca Lovell R.Lovell@exeter.ac.uk

To view job details or apply on-line: https://jobs.exeter.ac.uk/hrpr_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC179GF.open?VACANCY_ID=969332lG4B&WVID=171839ediw

The Nature-on-Prescription project and the GREENGAGE trial.

Drawing on research evidence, as well as the input of key groups of stakeholders including publics/patients; and nature activity providers, a proposal for a randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of a Nature-on-Prescription intervention for people with common mental health conditions will be developed. This pilot RCT with our partners at Eden, the Sensory Trust, and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust will be undertaken to support this.

This project will build on existing Nature-Based Social Prescribing research of the team, including previous work on Therapeutic Nature for Defra, an MRC funded realist review and development of a Handbook to support Nature-based Social Prescribing practitioners, a single arm feasibility study on nature-based activities to support mental health and an ongoing evaluation of the Government’s seven Test and Learn sites aiming to embed and scale up green social prescribing in their areas

A grant proposal for a full RCT on the effectiveness of Nature-on-Prescription for people with common
mental health conditions is a key output of this study. The post holder will work closely with stakeholders to understand research uncertainties and work to address these through this pilot work.