Call for Applications for Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Advisory Group Lead

We are seeking to appoint a senior clinical researcher, with a track record in collaborative research leadership, to lead the Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Advisory Group to develop activities across discovery science, clinical and applied research.

What is the Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Advisory Group?

The Advisory Group works to gather and connect the respective patient, research, and practitioner communities to interact with the charity around research prioritisation and investment.

What does the Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Advisory Group do?

Research Advisory Groups have a UK-wide remit to bring together people with lived arthritis experience, scientists, clinical and allied health professional researchers and practitioners and trainees. Group activities provide insight on key issues and opportunities to develop and influence research investment across discovery science, translational research, clinical research and applied research in disease management and health care services. Information about the groups can be found here: https://www.versusarthritis.org/research/information-for-researchers/our-approach-to-research/research-advisory-groups/

Conditions this group cover include osteoarthritis, crystal diseases (such as gout), regional and widespread musculoskeletal pain, metabolic bone disorders, musculoskeletal injuries caused by acute traumatic events.

The Group has recently carried out a research priority setting published in The Lancet Rheumatology: Research priorities to reduce the impact of musculoskeletal disorders.

Interested in Applying? Here is what you need to know

The lead position for the Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Advisory Group is available under the scheduled rotation. The post is available from April 2025 and appointments are for a three-year term in the first instance. The post is associated with a monetary allowance and financial support for group administrative, travel costs are also supported. It is imperative that local administrative support (~circa a 0.5-1 day a month) can be secured in support of this role. Roles and Responsibilities and Terms of Reference are available upon request.

How can you apply for this role?

Individuals who are interested in applying for the post are encouraged to contact Dr Sarah Rudkin, Head of Research Strategy and Growth with any queries (awards@versusarthritis.org). Potential applicants are welcome to obtain further information from the outgoing Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Advisory Group Lead, Professor Zoe Paskins (Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust /Keele University). If you would be interested in speaking with Professor Paskins please contact Enhad Chowdhury at the charity who can arrange this (awards@versusarthritis.org). Applicants should submit a brief CV giving details of current and relevant previous posts and roles. This should be accompanied by a statement exemplifying relevant experiences and expertise and outlining how the applicant will develop the work of the Group (800 word maximum). Of note the group currently meet three to four times a year, via teleconference and face to face meetings.

Applications should be submitted by close of Thursday 3rd April 2025 to awards@versusarthritis.org.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a short interview to be held online on Thursday 10th April 2025.