Research Fellow - College of Medical and Dental Sciences - 103681 - Grade 8

Position Details

College of Medical and Dental Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 8, salary £51,283

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to September 2025 

Closing date: 22nd April 2024 

Background

We are seeking to appoint an autonomous and experienced qualitative/multi methods researcher to contribute to a programme of research, GUIDE-DTCT, commissioned and funded by Cancer Research UK(PICCTR-2023/100038)

GUIDE-DTCT will bring together healthcare professionals, regulatory agencies, retailers, and consumers to co-produce good practice guidance concerned with the evaluation, regulation, marketing and monitoring of Direct To Consumer Tests (DTCTs). The programme of research includes the following work packages:

• Mapping existing regulatory frameworks for the evaluation, marketing, and monitoring of DTCTs in the UK 
• Synthesising existing literature concerned with the use and impact of DTCTs
• Interviews and focus groups with relevant stakeholders regarding opportunities and challenges that are posed by existing and proposed changes to existing regulatory frameworks 
• A cross sectional survey of the current DTCT market to understand the potential impact of the use of DTCTs on individual health and the healthcare system
• Working with stakeholders to co-develop good practice guidance for the evaluation (including useability, consumer and health service impact assessment), regulation, marketing and post market surveillance of DTCTs

The postholder will work closely with the CI to manage the programme of work. They will be expected to lead the qualitative work within work package 3 and to make a substantial contribution to work packages 2, 4, and 5.

The post offers an exciting opportunity to work within the internationally leading Biostatistics, Evidence Synthesis, Test Evaluation and Modelling (BESTEAM) team. The post-holder will be based in the Institute of Applied Health Research at the University of Birmingham.

Role Summary

• Initiate and conduct original research which has measurable outcomes and is reflected in a growing national and often incipient international reputation
• Plan, design and co-ordinate research activities and programmes
• Contribute to the development of research strategies
• Contribute to publishing high quality outputs from the programme of research and own research
• Supervise PhD, MSc and UG students. 
• Contribute to undergraduate and post-graduate taught programmes
• Contribute to the Department/School through management/leadership 
• Develop and make substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, public engagement activities, widening participation, schools outreach or similar activities at Department/School level or further within the University

Main Duties

To plan and carry out research, using appropriate methodology and methods.  This may include, where appropriate to the discipline:

• Lead qualitative and multi method research as part of the CRUK funded GUIDE-DTCT Study 
• Identify, recruit and consent research participants
• Conduct literature searching and reviewing
• Collect, analyse and interpret qualitative and multi method data using appropriate methods
• Pursue personal research including developing research ideas and winning support, including financial support
• Plan, publish and/or execute high quality research
• Project manage research activities, and/or supervise other research staff
• Present high quality findings in publications and conference proceedings 
• Develop novel methodologies and techniques appropriate to the type of research being pursued
• Supervise PhD students, both within and out with the University
• Provide expert advice to colleagues and students within discipline
• Contribute to the administration/management of research across the Department/School
• Develop and make substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, and public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the research team, Department, College and the University
• Contribute to some administrative activities within the University, typically relating to research
• Apply knowledge in a way that develops new intellectual understanding *
• Actively manages equality, diversity and inclusion through monitoring and evaluation and actively challenging unacceptable behaviour

* This indicative responsibility may also be included in a research role at a lower grade.

Person Specification

• A relevant first degree and normally, a higher degree (normally PhD) or equivalent qualifications (or near completion to) in a health related subject, sociology, psychology, or equivalent discipline
• Experience of undertaking and timely completion of qualitative and multi method research, preferably in the area of medical test evaluation
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly both orally and in written form
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary team
• Experience of engaging with a wide range of stakeholders including the public
• Knowledge of ethical and research governance in health-related research
• Experience of participant recruitment and taking informed consent
• Experience and achievement reflected in peer reviewed publications including a growing reputation 
• Extensive experience and demonstrated success in planning, undertaking and project managing research to deliver high quality results
• Extensive experience of applying and/or developing and devising successful models, techniques and methods
• Extensive experience and achievement in knowledge transfer, enterprise and similar activity
• Experience of championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in own work area
• Ability to monitor and evaluate the extent to which equality and diversity legislation, policies, and procedures are applied
• Ability to identify issues with the potential to impact on protected groups and take appropriate action

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Dr Clare Davenport, 

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy . You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone  on our website .