Physiotherapist (Research)

Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, Headington, Oxford.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Physiotherapist, looking to develop their skills as a researcher to contribute to the planning, co-ordination and completion of two large multicentre paediatric physiotherapy trials (SPELL and ROBUST), which are funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme. You will be based in the Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford.

SPELL is investigating the clinical effectiveness of a child-specific dynamic stretching exercise programme, compared to usual care, for ambulant children with spastic cerebral palsy. The ROBUST trial is investigating the clinical effectiveness of an adolescent-specific strengthening programme, compared to usual care, for ambulant adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy.
Both trials are part of RRIO (Research Rehabilitation in Oxford) and SITU (Surgical Interventions Trials Unit) portfolio within the Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit (OCTRU), based at the Botnar Research Centre, NDORMS, University of Oxford.

Working alongside a lead paediatric research Physiotherapist, your primary responsibility will be to work with the Chief Investigators and study team to efficiently develop and coordinate the SPELL and ROBUST trials at a national level, across participating trial sites, ensuring timely data collection, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) compliance, and undertaking monitoring. You will ensure the study is run in compliance with our registered clinical trials unit’s (OCTRU) Standard Operating Procedures.

We are looking for an experienced physiotherapist to bring their clinical expertise to an interdisciplinary team of researchers. A key part of this role will be developing of the trial interventions and related training materials and to work closely with the staff recruiting and delivering interventions at study centres. This will include training staff to deliver trial interventions and working to resolve barriers to recruitment and intervention delivery. The post will involve travel to study centres depending on the phase of projects.

You will be a qualified Physiotherapist registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council, and demonstrate a desire to develop experience and a portfolio in clinical research. Experience of working in the NHS; supervising and training clinical staff and a willingness to travel throughout the UK is essential. Experience of managing children and young people with cerebral palsy and clinical leadership in a specialism is desirable.

This is a full time (part time maybe negotiable, minimum of 80% FTE) 3 years fixed-term appointment, please note latest possible start is 01/09/2023.

The closing date for this position is 20 February 2023. You will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement as part of your online application.

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