We are looking for a highly motivated and technically-capable research nurse, with substantial experience in venepuncture and cannulation, to join a ground-breaking research project on the effects of the psychedelic drug DMT. There has been a great deal of recent research (and public) interest in psychedelic drugs as therapeutic tools in psychiatry. Despite promising initial findings, there is a surprising lack of mechanism-focused, well-powered research in this field; a gap that this project will fulfil. We have received funding from the Wellcome Trust to conduct an ambitious study comparing DMT to other drugs in to understand how it affects cognition and behaviour in the short and long-term and how these effects might help reduce excessive alcohol consumption. The study combines neuroimaging (fMRI and EEG) with drug administration, behavioural and cognitive analyses, plus qualitative interviews, to provide a complete picture of the effects of DMT in heavy drinking and understand mechanisms and predictors of beneficial outcomes.
The post holder will be primarily involved in the screening and dosing of participants in the study, as an such should confident in participant-facing roles and highly experienced and proficient in cannulation. This role will be particularly suited to clinical practitioners who wish to be involved in cutting-edge research on psychedelics in mental health and gain direct experience in running complex, world-class research. If the findings from the project are positive, we aim to pursue clinical trials to develop addiction treatments based on the protocols we will test here. The position will therefore be ideal for clinicians with an interest in mental health research.
The salary is £45,103 per annum and the post is offered on a Part-Time basis at 0.6FTE, 3 days per week and is available from January 2026 until April 2026 in the first instance, with the possibility of extending further. The successful candidate must therefore be available to start immediately (end of January 2026).
This role does not meet the eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa certificate of sponsorship under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. Therefore, UCL will not be able to sponsor individuals who require right to work in the UK to carry out this role.
