Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher in Health Services Research or Health Professions Education Department: School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences Reporting to: Prof Michelle Flood or nominee.
Location: RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin 2 Contract/Duration: Up to 3 years Remuneration: Up to IUA Scale PD2 Pt 1 (dependent on experience).
Annual increments will apply.
Closing Date: April 8th 2025 Start Date: ASAP Summary of Post The SYNERG-IE Programme is an ambitious five-year programme supported by a €2.5m Applied Programme Grant (APRO) award from the Health Research Board in Ireland.
Projects funded under this programme are designed to have an impact on the health and social care of individuals, population health, and the health system in Ireland and beyond.
SYNERG-IE is a multidisciplinary research programme designed in partnership with Sjgren's Ireland that aims to address longstanding challenges in the recognition, diagnosis, and management of Sjgren's (pronounced 'SHOW-grins').
Sjgren's is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting approximately 1 in 200 people that is associated with significant morbidity affecting quality of life.
Although relatively common, its complexity means that early signs and symptoms are often missed, leading to delays in diagnosis of ten years or longer for many people.
This programme will adopt a collaborative and inclusive approach, combining the skills of multidisciplinary researchers, the insights of patients, and the needs of healthcare professionals and policymakers to bring about transformative change in Sjgren's care and research.
Through involving people living with Sjgren's and healthcare professionals, the research will reflect the real-world experiences of Sjgren's and the findings will have maximum impact, leading to tangible improvements in care.
The SYNERG-IE Programme aims to make a difference to the lives of people affected by Sjgren's in many ways.
By optimising prescribing practices and medicines use, people will experience more personalised and effective treatments.
Co-design approaches will be used to develop improved care pathways to enhance care experiences.
National guidance and policies will provide a clear framework for care, reducing the current delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Furthermore, the increased knowledge stemming from undergraduate and postgraduate education initiatives will improve awareness.
We want to recruit a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in either applied health services research or health professions education to support the ongoing activities of this exciting research programme.
We will match the specific duties of the post to the candidate's background.
Specifically, the duties of the post will be: General Duties Lead development of study protocol(s) for pre-registration and publication.
Lead development and submission of ethics applications and respond to comments/queries.
Collect, analyse, and synthesise research data according to specified protocols.
Lead/co-writing of academic and other publications including academic papers, conference papers, presentations, policy briefs, technical reports, and social and traditional media content for professional and public audiences.
Contribute to the supervision of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students who may be working on research related to the programme.
Participate in/lead public and patient involvement (PPI) and engagement/outreach activities.
Contribute to the development and submission of reports e.g.
reporting to funder, or correspondence for other stakeholders.
Build and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with SYNERG-IE knowledge users, PPI partners, and other interest-holder groups.
Contribute to the development of new research ideas, research plans, funding applications etc.
Contribute across all work packages and activities to ensure success of the SYNERG-IE Programme.
Comply with statutory legislation, University policies and procedures, and School rules and requirements in furtherance of your own and general staff welfare and safety.
Undergo programmes of training and development as may be required from time to time.
Represent the best interests of the Programme/School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences/University at all times.
Specific Duties (specific duties will depend on the educational background/research experience of the candidate appointed) Conduct a national curriculum audit.
Collect and analyse baseline quantitative and qualitative data on healthcare professionals' knowledge and educational needs.
Lead the co-design educational resources for students, healthcare professionals, and people living with Sjgren's (including digital and print resources).
Collaborate closely with diverse stakeholders during the co-design process to ensure content is accurate, relevant, and tailored to the needs of diverse groups.
Lead evaluation of the educational interventions.
Contribute to a collaborative research priority setting process.
Lead/contribute to formal literature and policy reviews and evidence synthesis.
Lead/contribute to the development of clinical guidelines/guidance.
Lead/contribute to knowledge exchange/World Café events.
Qualifications - (Essential): PhD in a relevant field (e.g.
health services research, health professions education, social sciences or similar).
Knowledge & Experience - (Essential): Expertise in relevant quantitative/qualitative research methods/approaches e.g.
evidence synthesis, interviewing, PPI, curriculum design and evaluation, technology-enhanced learning etc.
Experience of preparing research ethics committee submissions and knowledge of research integrity.
Excellent writing skills and record of accomplishment of writing academic papers, conference papers, and other outputs.
Practical experience of evaluating and interpreting complex scientific literature.
Experience communicating research to diverse audiences including academic, healthcare professional, policy-maker and/or public audiences in a variety of formats.
Strong organisational and administrative skills with the ability to manage and progress multiple concurrent studies, prioritise objectives and meet strict deadlines.
Excellent time management and attention to detail.
Knowledge and experience of open research principles and practices and PPI.
Project management experience.
We are all too aware that imposter syndrome and the confidence gap can sometimes stop fantastic candidates putting themselves forward, so please do submit an application - we'd love to hear from you.
Application Process Please apply online through the RCSI careers portal before the closing date with your CV and cover letter.
Informal Enquiries can be directed to .
Please note we do not accept CVs directly.
Employee Benefits RCSI make sure you have the resources you need to thrive by offering a wide range of benefits in areas including time away, finance, community, health, and well-being and insuring your financial future.
Below are some additional benefits available to you as an RCSI employee: Minimum of 20 days annual leave, plus an additional 6.5 Privilege days Flexible/hybrid working options for colleagues across many roles Additional leave options incl.
paid maternity leave, paternity/parental leave, study leave 7% Employer pension contribution Onsite gym €10 per/mth incl.
classes and PT sessions Childcare support 20% discount at Giraffe Free eye test and annual flu vaccination TaxSaver commuter tickets and Bike to Work schemes A site sustainability team focusing on the environmental initiatives; Green Campus Initiative ' Competitively priced café and restaurant Equality, Diversity & Inclusion forums, and network groups Employee assistance programme with Spectrum Life Learning and Development training programmes incl.
LinkedIn Learning for career progression Discounted services incl.
GP visits, 10% off dental, staff parking, mobile tariffs, Group Scheme discount on numerous brands Sports and social club incl.
yoga, Pilates, fitness classes, Zumba, running club, social evenings, Summer BBQ Ticket Draws for events including; Rugby, Taste of Dublin, Dublin Horse Show, theatre, music & comedy events