Research Fellow in Patient Centred Outcomes Research

Overview of the Role

Are you passionate about research that will improve the measurement of patient experience, internationally? 

We are looking for an outstanding candidate to join the Patient Centred Outcomes Research (PCOR) group. PCOR is internationally recognised for delivering patient centred studies which focus on: 

• The collection and utilisation of patient reported outcome data
• Developing quality of life/patient reported outcome measures
• Investigating the quality of life and psychosocial consequences of cancer and treatment on patients and families
• Developing digital/electronic patient monitoring solutions in routine cancer care

This work is funded by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life group to work on the EORTC Item Library and develop a clear process of selection of patient reported outcome (PRO) items for use in symptomatic toxicity monitoring (adverse events) within clinical trials and practice. The EORTC Item Library is an online, interactive platform currently comprising of over 1000 unique items (questions) from the EORTC Quality of Life Group’s portfolio of 67 different patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures. The Item Library allows more flexible usage of the standard ‘static’ questionnaires (i.e. with a fixed number of items) by enabling the creation of customised item lists; capturing symptoms and issues which may not be covered within existing questionnaires (e.g. related to novel treatments or techniques). This project builds on existing work, published in JCO, which mapped all EORTC Item Library items onto the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE)(Gilbert et al., 2022).

The successful applicants (this project has two research posts funded) will play an integral role in leading the (1) mapping of the EORTC PRO items onto the PRO version of the CTCAE (PRO-CTCAE) and those additional 130 adverse event items which may be suitable for patient reporting; (2) develop a framework with support from expert stakeholders to select the best item from the EORTC Item Library for each adverse event for which there is a PRO item (using Delphi methodology if needed); (3) develop and pilot test 11 new EORTC PRO items to cover currently missing adverse event items.

For this role, we are looking for an experienced and driven post-doctoral researcher to play a major role in delivering the day-to-day running of the research under the guidance of Dr. Alexandra Gilbert (University of Leeds) and Claire Piccinin from the EORTC Headquarters.

You will have previous experience in developing questionnaires and health services research. You will also bring experience in using a range of mixed research methods in the applied health context. The role involves working effectively with a multi-disciplinary team of researchers and clinicians both locally in Leeds, nationally and internationally across multiple stakeholders.

The role is based with the Patient Centred Outcomes Research (PCOR) team, located in the Bexley Wing at St James’s University Hospital campus. A hybrid working model (combining office/clinic and remote working) may be supported where feasible. Some UK and international travel may be required to attend wider research meetings.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Dr. Alexandra Gilbert, Associate Professor and Honorary Consultant in Clinical Oncology

Email: [email protected]

Location: Leeds - St James University Hospital

Contract type: Fixed term (Available until 30th April 2026 to complete specific time limited work)

Further details: Candidate Brief