Oxford Primary Care Hosted Research Datasets Independent Scientific Committee Member - Expert

Employment type: 
Part time

Closing date 3rd September at 12 noon

Voluntary post 

The Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences (NDPCHS) is developing a unified approvals process for accessing departmental data resources.  This includes applications to use primary care research datasets, and for the re-use and re-analysis of existing Departmental Trials, Cohorts or other studies.

There will be an independent committee to review applications.  Some Departmental resources require a particular mode of access and these are not covered by this document.

Applications are invited from academics, researchers and health professionals working in primary care, or related fields, from within and external to the University of Oxford, to become members of PrimDISC.  Applications from those with machine learning or AI would be strongly encouraged.  The committee is chaired by Professor Rafael Perera to assess and advise on the scientific merit of research applications to access the primary care datasets.

The successful applicant will:

  • Make an important contribution to ensuring the quality and robustness of all research studies using primary care data from the department – increasingly the likelihood that these studies will go on to improve patient care in the NHS
  • Follow the PrimDISC Terms of Reference
  • Follow the criteria and principles set out by the PrimDISC in assessing and advising on research applications to access the databases which PrimDISC is being asked to consider

Responsibilities will include:

  • Considering research applications to access the databases in NDPCHS, as one of two or more independent reviewers, before further discussion with other reviewers and/or the committee
  • Carrying out independent review of one to two applications to access the specified database(s) in NDPCHS per month
  • Considering applications to access the  specified database as a committee, via videoconference, and email
  • Attending (remotely) a monthly Scientific Committee meeting of 1.5 hours
  • Advising the PrimDISC team on clinical, scientific and research issues and processes relating to research applications 

 

Selection Criteria

Essential:

  • Expertise in clinical, machine learning, AI, healthcare, statistics, medical epidemiology, health economics, research design, data management (or, in an aspect of our research that we have not considered or explicitly listed here) in a primary care context. This may, or may not, be as a health professional or researcher. 
  • Ability to critically appraise research plans 
  • Have a strong personal commitment to the interests of patients and the public whose health records are the subject of research applications
  • Have a strong personal commitment to ensuring a minimum scientific standard for research
  • Be able to read, understand and analyse complex issues from research applications and weigh up conflicting opinions
  • Be able to take an objective stance, looking at a situation from different perspectives
  • Be a good communicator with a practical approach and the confidence to voice their opinions. Be able to discuss issues with people who may not agree with them including being able to influence and listen to the views of others from a range of backgrounds
  • Be able to demonstrate an ability to contribute to the work of the Scientific Committee
  • Understand the requirement for confidentiality
  • Be IT literate to allow work to be carried out electronically. It is essential for members to have access to a computer, laptop or tablet in order to be able to review applications and amendments electronically by email

Desirable:

  • Experience of involvement in research using UK primary care electronic health records 
  • Experience of involvement in creating or curating UK primary care electronic health records  
  • Interest in pragmatic and constructive critical appraisal of research plans 

All reviews and meetings are carried out remotely.  

The position is a non-funded voluntary position and you will not be employed by the University of Oxford. All expenses will be covered and members financially compensated for each application they review. 

The initial term is for two years. 

Download the terms of reference.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon Friday 3 September 2021

Interviews will be on Wednesday 15 September 2021

To apply email your CV and covering letter to: lucy.curtin@phc.ox.ac.uk   

 

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