Research Associate (Qualitative Research) - Assessment of digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis

We are seeking an experienced and skilled qualitative researcher to work on the development of a conceptual framework for a novel patient-reported outcome instrument for the assessment of digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis. Digital ulcers (ulcers on the fingers) are common in patients with systemic sclerosis (an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue). They can be recurrent and extremely painful and are a significant burden to patients. There is a major need to develop a novel patient reported outcome measure (PROM) to capture the multifaceted patient experience of digital ulcers, to facilitate future clinical trials.

In this study we are using a mixed-methods approach to develop a conceptual framework for a novel PROM for patients with systemic sclerosis digital ulcers. This includes qualitative focus groups with patients to understand their experience of this condition. Qualitative data will be collected by a team from the University of Manchester. You will be responsible for conducting the qualitative analysis of the focus group data set and writing up the findings of the qualitative study for publication in peer reviewed journals. Ethics approvals for the project are already in place.

As part of a wider multidisciplinary international team, you will work alongside Dr Andrew Moore (Research Fellow, Line Manager) and Professor Rachael Gooberman-Hill (Professor of Health and Anthropology), who will support them during the analysis and write-up. The role is based within the Musculoskeletal Research Unit, Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol.

Career development training will be available through the University’s programme of courses, and the post-holder would be encouraged and supported to avail of these.

This collaborative project is led by Dr Michael Hughes (University of Manchester) and Dr John Pauling (Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases) and the funded by the Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium.

This is a fixed-term part-time post (0.5 FTE) for 3 months.

Information about the Qualitative Research Group at the University of Bristol’s Musculoskeletal Research Unit can be found at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/translational-health-sciences/research/musculoskeletal/orthopaedic/research/qualitative-research-group/

For informal enquiries contact Dr Andrew Moore by email at a.j.moore@bristol.ac.uk or by telephone on 0117 414 7877.

 

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