Research Fellow (1043018BN)

We are seeking an outstanding individual to join a Marie Curie/Motor Neurone Disease Association funded study: Development and pilot testing of a web-based decision aid for people with motor neurone disease (MND) considering a gastrostomy. The post holder will also carry out some work to support the development of a grant bid to develop a nutrition resource for cancer patients and their families. The role is situated within the Macmillan Survivorship Research Group (MSRG) http://www.southampton.ac.uk/msrg

As Research Fellow on the MND study, you will be responsible for leading the planning, coordination and delivery of high quality research, with the support of the Chief Investigator, and the study steering committee. This study will focus on the development of a decision aid (DA) for people with MND. You will use systematic reviews, semi-structured interviews and framework analysis to identify what information should be included in the DA and how should it be presented. You will work with a website developer to produce a prototype DA and carry out iterative testing with users. You will then co-ordinate a feasibility trial and process evaluation, working with up to 20 centres across the UK.

For the nutrition resource work, you will be responsible for planning and conducting systematic literature reviews and semi-structured interviews with cancer patients, carers and health care professionals. You will contribute to the development of a high quality, competitive grant bid.

Across both projects, you will be responsible for planning and conducting systematic literature reviews, HRA/NHS ethics application, data collection, analysis and interpretation, and dissemination of findings (primarily through publications and conference presentations). In addition, for the MND project, you will draft the content of the DA, instruct the website developer, and co-ordinate the feasibility trial.

You will have a PhD*, or equivalent professional qualifications and experience, in health services research/neurodegenerative diseases/ cancer care/palliative care/nursing/related health or social science subject and have:

Experience of conducting research with vulnerable groups, for example, people living with a life limiting condition or those at the end of lifeExcellent qualitative research and systematic reviewing skillsExperience of working with multiple clinical centres, building and maintaining relationships with clinical and research staffProven ability to organise a range of high quality research activities to deadline and quality standardsExcellent communication and paper writing skills, with a track record of published research. Track record of presenting to both specialist and non-specialist audiences including at local, national and international conferencesExperience of working with a range of stakeholders on research projectsKnowledge and understanding of patient decision aids or web-based interventionsKnowledge and understanding of motor neurone disease, or similar conditions and of nutrition-related issues in cancer patients (desirable)

You will need to work both independently and also effectively with members of the study team including patient and carer representatives, clinicians and researchers. 

A DBS check may be required for this role.

This post is offered full time for 24 months in the first instance, with a possibility of extension subject to funding.

Interviews are likely to be held on Thursday 27 September 2018.

Applicants are strongly advised to contact Dr Sally Wheelwright, s.j.wheelwright@soton.ac.uk, for an informal discussion.

Application Procedure

You should submit your completed online application form at www.jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Geraldine Lewis (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 3462. Please quote reference 1043018BN on all correspondence.

* Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification.  The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD.  Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

Closing Date: 07 Sep 2018
Post Type: Education, Research & Enterprise