Description Position Details Department of Applied Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential progression once in post to £47,874 Grade: 7 Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to August 2026 Closing date: 4th December 2024 Background To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research programme and/or specific research project. The LifeArc Centre for Acceleration of Rare Disease Trials will deliver a unique, UK-wide, patient-centred rare disease trials acceleration platform (RD-TAP) addressing the challenges faced in all rare diseases (RD), of designing clinical trials, enabling geographically equitable patient participation, and efficient delivery, to ensure that findings are rapidly translated and available for patient use in the clinic. The vision underpinning this is the development a “beginning to end” structure to support the development and delivery of innovative trials (and other approaches to intervention efficacy assessment) in rare disease to support researchers and companies to transform the lives of those living with rare disease. Role Summary To optimise the use of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in clinical trials for rare diseases, explore facilitators and barriers to PRO data collection, develop and offer a PRO design support service for rare disease trials within the LifeArc Centre for Acceleration of Rare Disease Trials. Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids supporting the use of PROs in rare disease trials. Operate within area of specialism Analyse and interpret research findings and results Contribute to generating funding Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar Main Duties The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below. Develop PRO specific research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, including leading PRO strategy within the LifeArc Centre with assistance of a mentor if required Contribute to writing bids for LifeArc-related research funding Analyse and interpret data Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars, via NIHR Learn and via social media Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods Undertake management/administration arising from research Contribute to School research-related activities and research-related administration Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods. Specifically for this project this will include qualitative interviews & focus groups, literature reviews, Delphi methodology Liaise with PPIE members, co-ordinate and lead PPIE meetings and reporting via PIRIT tool Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars, oral presentations at national/international conferences and as posters Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research. Develop training resources for the LifeArc PRO design support service Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines Person Specification First degree in area of specialism and a PhD (or near to completion) relevant to research area Qualitative research experience essential Experience in the design and validation of PROs essential Experience leading PPIE meetings essential Understanding of the use of PROs in clinical trials essential Experience of conducting systematic reviews highly desirable Experience of designing and validating measures highly desirable Experience of leading ethics applications and R&D approvals desirable High level analytical capability Ability to communicate complex information clearly Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly Further particulars can be found here Informal enquiries to Lee Aiyegbusi, email: o.l.aiyegbusibham.ac.uk 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 .