Research Fellow

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to September 2025

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

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

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

Informal enquiries to Dr Clare Davenport, [email protected]  

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the Apply Online button, above.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working