Researcher on novel methods in patient-reported outcomes research

Job description

In this project, you will work with a large trial bank of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to apply two novel methods to calculate minimal important change (MIC) thresholds in pain questionnaires completed by participants with osteoarthritis(OA). MIC is the average threshold of improvement that individuals perceive to be meaningful.

The aim of our project is to calculate MICs for the domain of pain using individual participant data from a subset of RCTs within the OA Trial Bank. These RCTs have evaluated the efficacy of mechanical devices (e.g. knee brace, insoles) to treat knee OA. Click here for more information.

You will be involved in all aspects of the project, including: searching the literature for eligible RCT datasets, communicating with data owners, obtaining datasets, managing data, harmonizing and cleaning data, analysing data, interpreting and writing up the results, and disseminating study findings (e.g., conferences, publishing results). You will be primarily responsible for implementing two existing statistical models to calculate MICs using the collected IPD.

Work environment

You will be embedded within and supported by a team of researchers within the Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine and the Department of General Practice at Erasmus MC. You will be located primarily at Erasmus MC in the Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, with possibility to work hybrid/remote. Additional support will also be offered by project team members who are external to Erasmus MC.

Our team backgrounds include epidemiology, physical therapy, human movement science, and biomechanics. You will be working in a stimulating environment with many other researchers, PhD students, and clinicians, giving you opportunities to share ideas, learn and grow.

Qualifications and skills

• You possess a Masters degree with a background in statistics, epidemiology, or public health. A related Masters background will be considered.
• You have a strong and enthusiastic scientific interest in relevant fields such as PROMs research and musculoskeletal health.
• You have very strong English communication skills, including excellent scientific writing.
• You have a creative and problem-solving mind-set and are able to work in a multidisciplinary team.
• You show initiative, you are pragmatic and meticulous, and are able to work with deadlines. You are internally driven, work independently, and excel in a structured work environment. You know how and when to ask for help or support.

Before you apply please check our conditions for employment.

Terms of employment

• You will receive a contract for 1 year.
• The gross monthly salary amounts a maximum of € 3.824,- (scale 10.2) based on a fulltime working week of 36 hous.
• Excellent fringe benefits, such as a 13th month that is already paid out in November and an individual travel expense package.
• An International Office which aids you in preparing for you arrival and stay.
• Pension insurance with ABP, we take care of approximately 2/3 of the monthly contribution.
• Special benefits, such as an in-company physiotherapist and bicycle repairer. There is also a gym where you can work on your fitness after work.

More information

If you are excited by the thought of this position and would like to apply, please do so by using the application form on our website.

For more information about this position, please contact Erin Macri, postdoctoral researcher, e.macri@erasmusmc.nl.

No agencies please.