Research Fellow

Palliative Care Trial

Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, Faculty of Medicine

Overview

Southampton Clinical Trials Unit (SCTU) is seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow join the INDIGO study focusing on the development and evaluation of a palliative care intervention. This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on end-of-life care by developing and evaluating behavioural interventions for medication administration.

The Role

You will co-lead the development and qualitative evaluation of behavioural interventions aimed at:

• Training carers to administer intranasal medications at home to manage pain and agitation in individuals at end-of-life
• Training palliative care professionals to effectively deliver this training to carers

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct qualitative research with carers, people at end-of-life (where appropriate), and palliative care professionals
• Plan and optimise interventions using the Person-Based Approach, including behavioural analysis and theoretical modelling
• Develop intervention materials including written manuals and videos, working collaboratively with video creators and clinical teams
• Engage with key stakeholder groups and facilitate wider public engagement
• Apply for NHS and university ethical approval and other research approvals
• Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations

About You

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• PhD in health or social research or related discipline (or equivalent professional qualifications and experience in a relevant discipline, e.g., psychology)
• Experience in conducting qualitative research, including data collection and analysis
• Excellent organisational skills with attention to detail in following gold standard research procedures
• Strong problem-solving abilities and initiative
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and effectively as part of a team

Desirable Experience and Knowledge:

• Experience of carrying out qualitative research with carers, people at end-of-life, or palliative care professionals
• In-depth understanding of the Person-Based Approach to intervention development
• Experience with research approvals processes (Governance/Ethics), including NHS
• Awareness of Good Clinical Practice

What We Offer

• An opportunity to contribute to meaningful research that directly impacts end-of-life care
• Collaborative working environment with experienced researchers and clinicians
• Flexible working arrangements (office/home-based)
• Support for professional development and conference attendance
• Scope to obtain experience across a broad portfolio of research within the Clinical Trials Unit

Additional Information

• This post may require occasional travel to conduct research, including participant homes. Expenses will be covered.
• Attendance at national and international conferences for disseminating research results

Enquiries

Informal enquiries should be directed to Cherish Boxall (c.e.m.boxall@soton.ac.uk).

As a university we aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive and are proactive in fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and equality of opportunity. We believe that we can only truly meet our objectives if we are reflective of society, so we are passionate about creating a working environment in which you are free to bring your whole self to work. With a generous holiday allowance as well as additional university closure days we are committed to supporting our staff and students and open to a flexible working approach.

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

Apply by uploading your CV and a cover letter detailing how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who support our mission of inclusivity.

Apply by 11.59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance contact Recruitment on +44(0)2380 592750 or recruitment@soton.ac.uk quoting the job number.