Senior Research Associate (Health Economics) (Newcastle, GB)

This Senior Research Associate in Health Economics position at Newcastle University offers a compelling opportunity for an experienced professional to make a significant impact within the field of rare disease research. Joining the prestigious Accelerating Rare Diseases Trials (ARDT) Programme, a substantial £12 million initiative funded by LifeArc, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing the design and delivery of clinical trials for individuals with rare conditions across the UK.

The role is situated within the vibrant Health Economics Group, a hub of research activity that promises a rich environment for collaborative, multidisciplinary work. You will have the chance to work directly with Dr. Gurdeep Sagoo, taking day-to-day leadership for Work Package 5, "Implementing Innovation in the NHS." This crucial work package focuses on integrating economic analysis into early-phase trial design, meticulously evaluating the cost-effectiveness and systemic impact of rare disease interventions, and generating vital evidence to guide decision-making for regulatory bodies, reimbursement agencies, and policymakers.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Impactful Research: Directly contribute to a nationally significant program aimed at improving the lives of individuals with rare diseases.
• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Immerse yourself in a dynamic and supportive research team, fostering diverse perspectives and innovative solutions.
• Career Development: Newcastle University is committed to the growth of its research staff, with clearly defined role profiles to guide your career progression.
• Generous Benefits: Benefit from a competitive salary (£47,389 - £56,535 per annum), an excellent holiday package with the option to purchase more, robust pension schemes, and various health and wellbeing initiatives.
• Research Acumen: Opportunities to attract external funding, lead high-quality research projects, and contribute to teaching within the Institute and Faculty of Medical Science.
• Publication Focus: Emphasis on publishing research in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals, with clear expectations for contributions at both 3* and 4* levels.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Specialised Expertise: This role demands a strong research profile in health economics, with a particular emphasis on stakeholder preference work and methodologies like multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA).
• Leadership and Project Management: You will be expected to lead the day-to-day delivery of a Work Package, requiring strong project management skills, the ability to supervise research teams, and proficiency in designing and running stakeholder workshops.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Experience in working with a diverse range of stakeholders across sensitive topics is essential.
• Research and Funding Acumen: Demonstrable experience in preparing research proposals and successfully applying for research funding will be a significant asset.
• Methodological Rigor: A solid understanding of economic methods, including MCDA, programme budgeting and marginal analysis (PBMA), and risk-benefit trade-offs, is crucial. Familiarity with statistical and economic modelling packages is also expected.
• Fixed-Term Contract: The position is for a fixed term of 3 years, offering a focused period of intense and rewarding research.
• Academic Standards: A commitment to maintaining academic standards and working in accordance with university policies is paramount.

This Senior Research Associate role is an exceptional opportunity for a driven health economist looking to expand their expertise in a high-impact area. If you possess a strong research background, a passion for rare disease research, and a desire to contribute to cutting-edge trial development, this position at Newcastle University could be the perfect next step in your career.