Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Pain Data Collection and Analysis for BRC funded PrePOSE study (Predicting the Pain Outcome of Surgery for Endometriosis)

The Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health (NDWRH) is seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Pain Data Collection and Analysis for BRC funded PrePOSE study (Predicting the Pain Outcome of Surgery for Endometriosis).

In this project, as the post-doctoral researcher, you will have the responsibility of gathering and analysing a variety of questionnaires, psychophysical and neuroimaging data. Additionally, you will be tasked with creating manuscripts and presentations to share your findings. You will also have the opportunity to supervise students and work on public engagement projects related to this subject. Your daily work will be in the Pain in Women group, located in the EndoCare Centre, within the Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health. Neuroimaging is a significant area of focus in this group, and you will have the chance to collaborate on other relevant studies and access educational and career development opportunities through the Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (WIN).

Endometriosis is common, affecting approximately 10% of reproductive aged women, many of whom will suffer with chronic pelvic pain. Pain associated with endometriosis has traditionally been considered nociceptive, with treatments directly targeting the ectopic tissue (lesions) by surgical ablation/excision and hormonal suppression or the associated inflammation with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Whichever treatment strategy is used, approximately 50% of women experience persistent or recurrent pain. Over recent years, it has become apparent that nociplastic and neuropathic mechanisms and psychological distress all play a role in maintaining symptoms and worsening quality of life. These findings open the door to methods of patient stratification that could rationalise the use, and improve the outcome, of surgical treatments. Predictors of response to surgical treatment would be of particular value for those women with more severe disease (endometriomas or deep endometriosis) as the risks of surgery are higher, including reduced fertility due to loss of ovarian reserve and major pelvic organ damage with associated consequences e.g. need for a stoma.

The suitable candidate must either hold a PhD/DPhil (or near completion) in a relevant subject area, for example, a clinical application of fMRI or fMRI methods. Expertise in analysis and interpretation of fMRI data.

Excellent communication and organisation skills, ability to work independently and under pressure are also essential for this role.

The post is offered on a full-time basis and is fixed term for two years, with the possibility of an extension depending on funding.  Please note, the successful candidate will need to be in post by 1st September 2024

Applications for flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application. Click here for information and advice on writing an effective Supporting Statement.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Friday 21st June 2024.

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