Call for Applications for Paediatric Rheumatology Clinical Studies Group Co-Lead

We are seeking to appoint a senior clinical researcher, with a track record in collaborative research leadership, to Co-Lead the Paediatric Rheumatology Clinical Studies Group to develop activities across clinical and applied research.

What is the Paediatric Rheumatology Clinical Studies Group?

Founded in 2007, the Paediatric Rheumatology Clinical Studies Group aims to make real headway in the fight against arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, in children and young people. It aims to achieve this by strengthening research in the field, identifying areas for development, and providing expert advice to help researchers produce high quality research proposals.

The group includes researchers, allied health professionals and nurses specialising in paediatrics. The Clinical Studies Group works in parallel with our Research Advisory Groups to gather and connect the respective patient, research, and practitioner communities to interact with the charity around research prioritisation and investment.

What does the Paediatric Rheumatology Clinical Studies Group do?

The Paediatric Rheumatology Clinical Studies Group has 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 translational research, clinical research and applied research in disease management and health care services.

Information about the group can be found here: https://www.versusarthritis.org/research/information-for-researchers/our-approach-to-research/research-advisory-groups/

The Clinical Studies Group has six Topic Specific Groups related to certain conditions (Juvenile idiopathic arthritis / Juvenile dermatomyositis / Bone / Juvenile scleroderma / Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus / non-inflammatory MSK conditions / Auto-inflammatory and vasculitis.)  These are open research groups welcome to healthcare professionals, parents and young people with arthritis.

The Group has recently carried out a national research priority setting published in The Lancet Rheumatology: Research priority setting for paediatric rheumatology in the UK - The Lancet Rheumatology

Interested in Applying? Here is what you need to know.

The co-lead position for the Paediatric Rheumatology Clinical Studies 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 Paediatric Rheumatology Clinical Studies Group Co-Lead, Professor Clare Pain (Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust Hospital/University of Liverpool) or the remaining Co-Lead Professor Paul Brogan (Great Ormond Street Hospital). If you would be interested in speaking with Professor Brogan or Associate Professor Pain please contact Liz Waterman 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 monthly via teleconference and twice a year face to face.

Applications should be submitted by close of Wednesday 26th March 2025 to awards@versusarthritis.org.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a short interview to be held virtually on Thursday April 3rd 2025.