Research Fellow in Qualitative Methods

This job is only available to University of Leeds staff. It may be released externally should we not appoint internally.

SLE is one of a group of connective tissue diseases characterised by inflammation in multiple organs, type I interferon activity, and autoantibodies, leading to poor quality of life. It is more severe in children and people of non-European ancestry groups. Current practice is to treat SLE with a series of conventional immunosuppressants combined with glucocorticoids (GC), but evidence for the sequence in which they should be used is weak. Under current clinical guidelines, if this approach fails, and people have moderate/severe SLE, a more effective biological therapy such as rituximab, can be added to these agents later as usual care. This approach may not be optimal since SLE is most severe within the first 12 months of diagnosis, with the highest mortality, GC exposure and healthcare resource use.

Our current work aims to advance understanding on the clinical and cost-effectiveness of biological therapies given first-line or after failure of conventional immunosuppressants in people with moderate to severe SLE, as well as optimising outcome measures/treatment targets used in clinical trials and clinical practice. Since health outcome disparities exist in SLE, for this role, our work also aims to improve understanding and evaluate strategies to enhance recruitment of people of the underserved groups, children and ethnic minorities into clinical trials. Qualitative research and patient public engagement are essential parts of this role.

You will lead your own studies in this area, including methods development and clinical studies and contribute to the work of the research group as a whole.

Location: Chapel Allerton Hospital (with scope for hybrid working)

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa .

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team, and self-development courses including languages, Creative Writing, Wellbeing Therapies and much more.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Professor Edward Vital, Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine