Research Fellow (109302-0724)

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Michael Backhouse (Associate Professor, Warwick Clinical Trials Unit) at Michael.backhouse@warwick.ac.uk. 

This is an exciting and challenging role for an experienced researcher to support the delivery of a new multi-centre clinical trial funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). We wish to appoint a podiatrist, orthotist or physiotherapist or other related specialism with experience in musculoskeletal or foot and ankle research. You will join the Big Toe Inserts trial team in delivering a UK wide randomised controlled trial evaluating carbon fibre shoe stiffening inserts, compared to sham inserts, for people with osteoarthritis of the big toe joint – the first  metatarsophalangeal joint.

You will be responsible for assisting the Chief Investigators and the Big Toe trial team in delivering the trial. Supported by the trial team, core responsibilities will include 1) preparing trial intervention materials (practitioner and participant manuals); 2) engaging with trial sites, deliver Big Toe Insert Trial practitioner training, and facilitating trial implementation at each recruitment site; and 3) providing ongoing support to Big Toe Insert practitioners at each site to aid timely participant recruitment, trial delivery, follow-up, and successful trial completion. We seek someone with research experience to undertake qualitative interviews with participants and practitioners. A willingness and ability to travel to clinical and research sites is required. 

Warwick CTU has an extensive track record and portfolio of NIHR funding and has successfully delivered numerous multi-centre trials evaluating complex interventions in clinical populations, published in high impact journals. The Surgery, Pain and Rehabilitation research group is an active multi-disciplinary clinical academic team, conducting a number of trials and observational studies to advance clinical practice in musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary disease. The Big Toe trial is led by Chief Investigator Dr Michael Backhouse, supported by leading UK clinicians and academics in musculoskeletal research.

The wider team includes clinical trials expertise, health psychology, statistics, health economics, qualitative researchers, a senior project manager, trial coordinator and administrators. This post is based mainly at Warwick CTU, a purpose designed premises at the University of Warwick’s Gibbet Hill campus, with offices also based at UHCW Clinical Sciences Building. Warwick CTU is an NIHR registered CTU with around 120 staff. You will also support the research group to develop and enhance its academic output and reputation.

Please note:

1.Due to the nature of this role, the successful applicant will be required to undergo enhanced level disclosure before commencing research with hospital sites. Clearance obtained via another institution or body cannot be transferred.

Full details of the duties and selection criteria for this role can be found in the vacancy advert on the University of Warwick's jobs pages. You will be routed to this when you click on the Apply button.

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