Research Associate in Age- and Sex-Stratified Upper Thresholds for Platelet Count in Primary Care-Ordered Blood Tests for Expedited Cancer Diagnosis: HELP Flag’

The primary role of the Research Associate will be conducting a clinical evaluation of an intervention to improve the early detection of cancer in primary care patients called the High or Elevated Level of Platelets (HELP) Flag. HELP Flag was developed by leading academics in primary care cancer research at the University of Exeter following on from their practice-changing studies demonstrating the increased risk of cancer diagnosis in primary care patients with persistent, unexplained elevated platelet levels. HELP Flag has already been implemented in Devon and is being rolled out in Greater Manchester and the Midlands with a view to national adoption if it is shown to be clinically and cost effective.

The post is available for 17 months in the first instance. You will join a multi-disciplinary team of researchers at the University of Manchester, the University of Exeter, and the University of Plymouth, and will collaborate with NHS Cancer Alliances and Hospital Trusts in Greater Manchester, Devon, and the Midlands.

The role will involve accessing, cleaning and analysing clinical data extracted from NHS primary and secondary care records in participating regions using an NHS Secure Data Environment (SDE). Data extractions from the SDEs involved in this study will occur at multiple time points during the project. The postholder will work closely with Dr Merriel and the lead statistician in the research team at the University of Exeter on this clinical evaluation. The role also involves supporting the PPI leads on conducting and evaluating PPI activities related to the study.

You will need to hold a PhD that includes training in quantitative research methods. You will have experience with handling, cleaning, linking and analysing routinely collected healthcare data. You will be experienced in advanced biostatistical techniques including multilevel logistic regression and survival analysis. Experience with cancer-related research and patient & public involvement (PPI) in health research is highly desirable.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.

Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Please note, under the new immigration rules this role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route of the Points Based System. Candidates will need to be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK in order to be eligible to take up the post. (Grade 2,3 and 4) only . (delete if not needed)

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr Sam Merriel

Email: samuel.merriel@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support: jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

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