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We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

We are seeking an outstanding early-career researcher to lead a 36-month, innovative mixed-methods project, titled:  “A mixed-methods approach to optimise pain assessment and management in motor neuron disease (MND): Developing a UK clinical practice framework”. 

Funded by the MND Association, this project addresses the urgent need for evidence-based, standardised approaches to pain assessment with direct clinical application in the management of MND.

You will join Dr Haris Stavroulakis a Principal Investigator within the Better Outcomes for MND Research group at the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN). Founded by Professor Chris McDermott, this group is a world-leader in translating research into clinical practice. You will collaborate with a high-calibre interdisciplinary team including experts in qualitative methodology (Dr Alys Griffiths), patient reported outcomes (Professor Jill Carlton), palliative medicine (Dr Caroline Barry), and telehealth and inclusive research design (Dr Liam Knox).

We will employ a mixed-methods approach to i) map current UK clinical practice and identify gaps in pain assessment and management across MND care centres; ii) elicit stakeholder experiences and preferences regarding pain management to ensure the framework is patient-centred and inclusive of those with complex communication needs; iii) critically appraise assessment tools/questionnaires to identify the most effective instruments for identifying and monitoring pain in MND; iv) quantify real-world pain prevalence and treatment burden through a prospective longitudinal cohort study utilising telehealth infrastructures; and v) develop and reach consensus on a UK clinical practice framework that provides clear pathways for clinicians to assess and manage pain effectively.

Main duties and responsibilities

You will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the project, working closely with the expert research team to ensure objectives are met. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Project management: leading the delivery of the research, ensuring milestones are achieved across all phases of the study.

• Protocol development and governance: writing study protocols and supporting documentation; leading submissions for ethical (IRAS/HRA), governance, and regulatory approvals in accordance with Good Clinical Practice.

• Clinical practice mapping: designing and deploying national surveys to healthcare professionals and MND centres to evaluate current UK pain management landscapes.

• Qualitative research: conducting semi-structured interviews and focus groups with patients, informal caregivers, and professionals, ensuring the inclusion of participants with complex communication needs.

• Outcome measure appraisal: supporting the systematic appraisal of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) using the COSMIN framework.

• Longitudinal cohort study: coordinating a prospective study to quantify pain prevalence and treatment burden. This includes utilising telehealth infrastructures for recruitment and data collection.

• Data analysis: collecting and analysing complex mixed-methods data, integrating qualitative themes with quantitative findings to inform the clinical framework.

• Framework development: leading the synthesis of findings and facilitating consensus to develop a UK clinical practice framework.

• Recruitment, consent and PPIE: leading participant recruitment and informed consent procedures, maintaining high ethical standards and participant retention. This includes organising and conducting PPIE activities to support the meaningful involvement of people affected by MND.

• Dissemination: leading the drafting of high-quality manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication and presenting research findings at national and international conferences.

• Team Collaboration: actively participating in the Better Outcomes for MND Research group, attending regular research meetings, and contributing to a stimulating multidisciplinary environment.
• Scholarship and professional development: Keeping abreast of academic developments to brief colleagues and actively identifying and developing future research questions stemming from the project. Lead on (or contribute to) funding applications to support future projects developed by the team.
• Travel: WIlling to travel within the UK for data collection and meetings where these cannot be conducted online.

• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on shortly after the advert closing date. This will consist of an interview with presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage shortly after the advert closing date.  If you need

any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact the Staffing Team at smph-west-staffing@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Criminal record

An enhanced DBS check will be needed for this role. More details on the checks can be found on the Government website: gov.uk/criminal-record-checks-apply-role (opens in a new window).

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.