Post-Doctoral Researcher (part time -0.5 FTE),Centre for Health Evaluation, Methodology Research and Evidence Synthesis (CHEMRES)

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for an opportunity to join the Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Cochrane Ireland team based in the Centre for Health Evaluation, Methodology Research and Evidence Synthesis (CHEMRES) in NUI Galway.

The position is part time (0.5 FTE) from 5th May 2021 until 30^th Oct 2023.

CHEMRES is host to the HRB-Trials Methodology Research Network, Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Cochrane Ireland. These major initiatives, and other projects within CHEMRES, support a vibrant research environment characterised by a shared vision for innovative research with high impact.

Job Description:

Many people feel overwhelmed by information, particularly about how they can improve or protect their own health. Health information now spreads faster and further through multiple interconnected channels. Unreliable claims about the effects of health interventions lead to poorly informed choices, the under or overuse of health interventions (or treatments), and unnecessary waste and human suffering. The consequences of people’s inability to assess the reliability of health claims can include detrimental effects on their own health and the waste of healthcare resources. This poses a significant risk to public health and healthcare.

This position offers the successful candidate a substantial role within an exciting project funded by the Irish Cancer Society. The project titled ‘Misinformation and Disinformation in Cancer’ will develop an intervention to provide those affected by a cancer diagnosis with the skills and knowledge necessary to think critically about the reliability of a treatment claim and make informed choices.

Key aspects of the role include:

The successful candidate will be required to take an active role in all aspects of the research project. In addition to the practical research aspects of the role, such as data collection, budget management, etc., the successful candidate will also have a substantial role in the study’s design, conduct, and reporting. The successful candidate will work with the Principal investigators and the Project Steering Committee to ensure the project’s objectives and deliverables are met. Central to the role will be responsibility for the project’s operational management, ensuring compliance with timelines, milestones, and budget. The successful candidate will act as the main line of communication to relevant stakeholders responsible for progress reporting (resources, budget and timelines), providing input on study-related documents (e.g., reports etc.), and the set-up and maintenance of study files. The successful applicant will have excellent research and project management skills and will need to engage and communicate successfully with a diverse range of stakeholders, including people affected by cancer.

Essential Requirements:

A PhD, or equivalent, or near completion, in health or education-related field.
Significant experience in leading design, conduct, analysis and reporting of qualitative research.
Evidence of ability to meet project requirements and experience in working across multiple work-packages.
Excellent written and oral communication skills to include peer-review publications.
Excellent (at least intermediate) knowledge of MS Office suite of software.

Desirable Requirements:

Experience in cancer or educational research

Salary: €41,026 – €45,775 per annum pro rata

Start date: Position is available from 3 May 2020

Continuing Professional Development/Training:

Researchers at NUI Galway are encouraged to avail themselves of a range of training and development opportunities designed to support their career development plans.

Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI Galway

For information on moving to Ireland, please see www.euraxess.ie

Informal enquiries may be made to co-PIs Prof Declan Devane at [email protected] or Elaine Finucane at [email protected]

To Apply: Applications to include a covering letter, a CV (of a maximum of 5 pages) to include the names and the contact details of three referees should be sent, via e-mail (in PDF format only) to: Ms Eithne O’Connell [email protected]

Please put reference number NUIG-RES 062-21 in subject line of e-mail application.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm on Friday, 2^nd April 2021

Interviews are planned to be held on 19^th April 2021

Due to the University closure related to COVID-19, interviews may have to take place virtually and start dates may need to be delayed