Applications are invited for a voluntary internship at the Autism Research Centre (ARC) (Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge) to work on a project focusing on the early detection of autism spectrum conditions (ASC). The study is a collaboration between the ARC (Professor Simon Baron-Cohen), the Institute of Public Health (Professor Carol Brayne) and the Institute of Education (Professor Tony Charman), funded by the National Institute for Health Research Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (NIHR CLAHRC) for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

The intern will support Dr Carrie Allison on a large scale research project examining the Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT) (Allison et al, 2008) as a potential screening instrument for ASC. Approximately 4000 children were screened at 18-30 months. Children in the sample are now four years old and the aim of the current phase is to follow up the cohort. The main role will be to assist in the assessments, which include the ADOS and ADI-R, as well as some cognitive and language assessments. The role would suit someone looking to gain experience in clinical/developmental psychological research. For information about the project please see here.

The successful applicant must have an undergraduate degree (minimum 2:1) in psychology or an allied discipline. Priority will be given to applicants who are already trained in the administration of the ADOS and ADI-R. The internship is full time and is expected to last for a minimum period of six months. The successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced CRB check.

Please download the application form and send the completed form to Gaenor Moore by email to gm367@cam.ac.uk or by post to Autism Research Centre, Department of Developmental Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Douglas House, 18b Trumpington Road, Cambridge CB2 8AH. The closing date for completed applications is 23rd August 2010.


CLAHRC Fellows Programme

The NIHR CLAHRC for Cambridgeshire & Peterborough are now inviting applications for their CLAHRC fellowship programme commencing 1st November 2010. The aim of the CLAHRC Fellowship scheme is to develop future NHS management and clinicians who will have an understanding of research methodology and the research environment, and be equipped with the tools for service redesign and for the introduction of innovation into the NHS.