Note: please ignore the previously forwarded e-mail about 
an RA post at UCL. It was the wrong job description (that 
post is already filled). Here is the correct one...

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Research fellow - HTA systematic review project

Draft job description

Role and responsibilities
To refine the existing protocol and carry out systematic 
reviews of the acceptability, accuracy and impact of 
decision aids for acute abdominal pain in primary and 
secondary care. To develop with help a simple economic 
model to explore the likely implications of the NHS 
adopting such tools. To convene and minute steering group 
meetings and a final dissemination workshop. To be primary 
author of routine progress reports and a detailed final 
report for the funding body (the National Co-ordinating 
centre for Health Technology Assessment), and 1-2 journal 
articles describing project methods and findings.

Support and resources available
The following will be available to support the post holder: 
· Dr Jeremy Wyatt (School of Public Policy): primary 
supervisor; decision aids, systematic reviews, medical 
decision making, medicine · Justin Keen (School of Public 
Policy): health economics · Helen King (School of Public 
Policy): administrative & budgetary support · Mr James 
Wellwood (surgeon, London): acute abdominal pain in 
secondary care · Dr Martin Dawes (GP, Oxford): acute 
abdominal pain in primary care · Prof. Doug Altman & Jon 
Deeks (statisticians, Oxford): statistics and systematic 
review methodology · Susan Clamp (medical informatics, 
Leeds) & Prof. Dr Christian Ohmann (theoretical surgery, 
Dusseldorf): acute abdominal pain and systems and tools to 
aid its management · A list of 70+ empirical studies 
already identified   Participation in a training course or 
work experience with one of the project collaborators may 
be available to reinforce a key skill. All necessary 
library and computing facilities will be provided through 
School of Public Policy and University College London. The 
project is suitable for writing up for a higher degree, 
though current funding is for one year only.   Experience, 
skills and qualifications required  Experience required: · 
Carrying out detailed literature searches and critical 
appraisal of a variety of study types or of systematic 
reviews in health care · Familiarity with the primary or 
secondary care management of patients with acute abdominal 
pain or of medical decision making or decision aids   
Skills required: · Numeracy, good writing and communication 
skills, familiarity with PC applications including Medline 
and Access databases · Able to work unsupervised for short 
periods, self reliant and thorough   Educational 
qualifications required: · First degree and a good 
postgraduate degree, or equivalent research experience, in 
a relevant clinical, scientific or statistical area

Terms and conditions
One year at a salary of up to £20319 inc. London allowance. 
Based in the School of Public Policy. Standard UCL terms 
and conditions. A part time post may be considered. The 
post holder may need to undertake limited travel to Oxford, 
Leeds or elsewhere (e.g. to present findings) - expenses 
will be reimbursed.

Application
Send a detailed CV and a 1-page letter with the names and 
contact details of 2 referees and an explanation of why you 
are suitable for the post to Jeremy Wyatt.