This is an exciting opportunity for someone to contribute to a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) funded Randomised Controlled Trial in the area of managing drug dependence. The trial is being led by Professor Catriona Matheson at the Centre for Healthcare and Community Research (CHeCR) at the University of Stirling, in close collaboration with The Centre for Healthcare Randomised Trials (CHaRT), University of Aberdeen. This project aims to reduce the use of high-risk street benzodiazepines, which contribute to drug related deaths in people who are also enrolled in Opiate Agonist Treatment (OAT) e.g. methadone. The trial includes at least six sites across Scotland and England with a built-in pilot study, process evaluation and toxicology surveillance study. The research assistant will work closely with the trial’s senior researcher across the needs of the study, with a particular focus on the toxicology study including drug surveillance and scanning and supporting project meetings. They will also contribute to literature reviewing, quantitative data analysis, ongoing communication, report writing and dissemination of outputs. This is a rare opportunity to join an excellent multidisciplinary team from across the UK. Details on the trial team can be found here: https://www.fundingawards.nihr.ac.uk/award/NIHR163461
There may be potential to undertake a PhD study linked to the project. The post holder will be expected to work from the University campus at least two days per week.
Informal enquiries to: Dr Karen Berry karen [dot] berry [at] stir [dot] ac [dot] uk (karen[dot]berry[at]stir[dot]ac[dot]uk)
Description of Duties:
- Undertake surveillance of data sources around new ‘street’ benzodiazepines
- Liaise with external organisations to identify emerging new ‘street’ benzodiazepines that emerge in the UK market over the course of the trial including Public Health Scotland (RADAR), The Specialist Police harm surveillance team, and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA)
- Review monthly testing results from specialist toxicology lab
- Scanning the academic literature for other relevant research
- Supporting project meetings
- Conducting quantitative analyses
- Participate in writing and disseminating outputs
- Support the Chief Investigator with communications
