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- Tasks: Assist in groundbreaking cancer research and analyse patient experiences.
- Company: University of Stirling, a leader in health psychology research.
- Benefits: Gain valuable research experience and contribute to impactful studies.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in cancer care while developing your research skills.
- Qualifications: Interest in health psychology and research methodologies.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 45000 £ per year.
Research Assistant position to work with Professor Gozde Ozakinci on a NIHR funded project ‘PET-CT guided, symptom-based, patient-initiated surveillance versus clinical follow-up in advanced head neck cancer (PETNECK 2)’. Part time (FTE 50%). Fixed term for up to 18 months.
Project Summary: Head and neck cancer is increasing rapidly, with 12,000 patients diagnosed in the UK each year. Currently, people finishing treatment attend a clinic review every 2-6 months for 5 years to check if the cancer has come back (called recurrence). If caught early, there is a better chance of successful treatment. However, most patients feel they are seen too frequently, which increases their worry about cancer recurrence. It is also inefficient because few cancers are found this way, and clinical services struggle with increasing demand. Recurrent cancers are much more likely to be found when patients ask to be seen because their symptoms have changed. Studies also show that a new type of scan, called PET-CT, done 1-year after treatment can identify patients who are unlikely to get recurrence and could therefore be followed up less frequently.
We have developed a new way of following up patients, called patient-led follow-up, which proposes patients have a PET-CT scan 1-year after finishing treatment. If no cancer is detected, they will be given an education session, by a nurse, about what symptoms of recurrent cancer to look out for. The information will also be given in print and online. They will then be on an ‘open urgent appointment’, which guarantees review by their clinical team within 2 weeks if they develop worrying symptoms, instead of regular clinic visits.
We are now running a multi-centre national clinical study, comparing this new PET-CT guided, patient-initiated follow-up with the current routine follow-up. We aim to find out:
- Which way of follow-up is better at detecting cancer recurrence
- What effects these two ways have on patients’ experience, worry about recurrence and quality-of-life
- Which follow-up way costs less, although this is not the main reason for running this study
The postholder will work with the wider PETNECK2 team and will be based at the University of Stirling, examining the fears of cancer recurrence both qualitatively and quantitatively between the two arms of the study. The postholder will conduct and analyse some baseline and follow-up interviews on fear of cancer recurrence as well as analyse questionnaire data collected as part of the clinical study.
Research Assistant, University of Stirling employer: UK Society for Behavioural Medicine
Contact Detail:
UK Society for Behavioural Medicine Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant, University of Stirling
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the University of Stirling or Professor Gozde Ozakinci. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that Research Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the PET-CT project. Understand its goals and challenges. When you show genuine interest and knowledge about the study, it’ll impress the hiring team and set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you ace your application process. Plus, it’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let’s get you that Research Assistant position!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant, University of Stirling
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Research Assistant role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the PET-CT project. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for health psychology and cancer research shine through in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely interested in making a difference in patients' lives, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure your key points stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Society for Behavioural Medicine
✨Know Your Research
Familiarise yourself with the PET-CT guided follow-up project and its significance in head and neck cancer treatment. Understanding the nuances of the study will not only impress the interviewers but also help you articulate your thoughts clearly during discussions.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since the role involves conducting and analysing interviews and questionnaire data, be prepared to discuss your experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods. Bring examples of past projects where you've successfully analysed data or conducted interviews to demonstrate your capabilities.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the project, the team dynamics, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Highlight your ability to work within a team, especially in a research setting. Share experiences where you collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, as this role will involve working closely with the wider PETNECK2 team.