Research Fellow - Department of Applied Health Sciences - 105659 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

An established institution seeks a systematic reviewer to join a dynamic team focused on evidence synthesis and health policy. The role involves conducting rigorous reviews, contributing to national screening programs, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. This position offers the chance to influence health practices and policies while working in a supportive environment dedicated to research excellence. If you are passionate about health research and eager to make a meaningful impact, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in conducting systematic and rapid reviews in medical test evaluation.
• Ability to synthesize quantitative data and communicate findings effectively.

Responsibilities

• Conduct systematic reviews and evidence syntheses for national policy.
• Collaborate with academic staff and stakeholders to publish research outcomes.

Skills

Systematic Review

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Research Methodology

Education

Higher Degree (MSc or PhD)

Relevant First Degree

Tools

Covidence

Eppi-reviewer

Endnote

Job description

Position Details

Department of Applied Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2030

Closing date: 14th May 2025

Background

We are seeking to appoint an experienced systematic reviewer to join our ambitious and growing Biostatistics, Evidence Synthesis, Test Evaluation and Modellingteam (BESTEAM) in the Department of Applied Health Sciences. The post holder will work within the NIHR-funded Warwick-Birmingham Screening Evidence Synthesis Group (ESG) and will be responsible for conducting and publishing priority evidence syntheses required by the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC). Evidence syntheses may include evidence maps, rapid reviews or systematic reviews of clinical effectiveness, test accuracy, or cost-effectiveness. The research undertaken will directly inform the UK NSC and national policy and has international influence on how screening is delivered.

The post holder may also be expected to contribute to the development and delivery of CPD courses concerned with medical test evaluation.

Role Summary

The successful candidate will join the TAP (Test and Prognosis) group within the BESTEAM team in the Department of Applied Health Science and will work in close collaboration with colleagues atWarwick Screening. The TAP group is internationally renowned for its expertise in evaluating medical tests, providingmethodological guidance and statistical expertise in the design and analysis of applied health research projects and developing methodology. The post holder will work alongside a number of systematic reviewers, methodologists and statisticians supporting research within the TAP group and BESTEAM.

• Undertake rigorous systematic reviews, rapid reviews and evidence maps for NIHRWarwick-Birmingham ScreeningESG to inform national policy.
• Operate within the area of test evaluation and screening, contributing tothe development of the science of screening programme evaluation, and to develop the post holder’s own areas of research expertise.
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results.
• Contribute to writing bids and generating funding.
• Participate in the organisation and development of the TAP group, including attending and contributing to internal meetings, training events, and providing ad hoc methodological support to clinical and academic colleagues.

Main Duties

The responsibilitiesmay include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Plan and carry out rigorous evidence syntheses including: protocol development, literature selection and data extraction, quality assessment of evidence, data analysis and synthesis, writing reports, and dissemination.
• Liaise with a wide range of academic staff and stakeholders, particularly colleagues at the University of Warwick.
• Publish research outcomes in appropriate journals of international standing, and to publish and disseminate the results of research and scholarship in other outlets.
• Disseminate research findings at academic and professional conferences and seminars, and to contribute to the external visibility of BESTEAM and University of Birmingham College of Medicine and Health.
• Pursue individual and collaborative research of the highest quality, developingresearch objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required.
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding.
• Undertake management/administration arising from research.
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration.
• Supervise students on research-related work and provide guidance to MSc or PhD students where appropriate to the discipline.
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research.
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
• Promote equality and value diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods.

Person Specification

• A relevant first degree and normally a higher degree (MSc or PhD, or near completion) or equivalent qualifications in a health-related subject, sociology, psychology, or equivalent discipline.
• Specialist knowledge and experience of undertaking and timely completion of systematic and/or rapid reviews, preferably in the area of medical test evaluation or screening.
• Experience of synthesising quantitative data across studies.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Ability to work well both on own initiative and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Evidence of good interpersonal and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
• Understanding of, and ability to contribute to, broader management/administration processes.
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project.
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in their own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

Desirable criteria

• Experience in the economic evaluation of health technologies, or synthesis of economic evaluation studies.
• Use and familiarity of software for systematic reviews such as Covidence, Eppi-reviewer or similar and experience with reference software such as Endnote.
• Experience in health technology assessment.
• Knowledge of health screening policy in the UK.
• Experience or potential to generate external funding.
• Knowledge of test accuracy.
• Experience of teaching and/or supervising students.

Further particulars can be foundhere

Informal enquiries to Jac Dinnes, email: [e-mail]

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