Research Officer - MEDR

About The University

Swansea University is a research-led university that has been making a difference since 1920. The University community thrives on exploration and discovery and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life.

Our stunning waterfront campuses and multicultural community make us a desirable workplace for colleagues from around the world. Our reward and benefits, and ways of working enable those who join us to have enriching careers, matched by an excellent work-life balance.

About The Role

This is a Fixed Term role until May 2026 working 17.5 hours per week.

We are seeking a highly talented and enthusiastic individual to support a clinical research study aimed at better understanding intestinal cancer development in patients with an inherited predisposition to cancer (MUTYH-Associated Polyposis, MAP). This is a part time (50% FTE) appointment on a fixed term contract for 9 months. The project is led by Dr Laura Thomas (Swansea University Medical School) and is funded by MEDR, Wales’s Commission for Tertiary Education and Research.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the UK’s 4th most common cancer, associated with a significant healthcare burden. Although most CRC cases are sporadic, up to 35% are due to inherited factors. This includes the genetic condition MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP), wherein patients develop numerous colorectal polyps, significantly increasing lifetime CRC risk up to 90%, with a 63% cumulative risk by age 60. MAP patients are additionally at high-risk for duodenal cancer and other extra-colonic manifestations.

The clinical spectrum of intestinal disease in MAP is not well understood. MAP has highly variable disease presentation, even within families with the same genetic mutation, and advanced disease develops despite adherence to current management guidelines. The effectiveness of current clinical guidelines in MAP for preventing disease development have not been studied. Importantly, there are no long-term prospective studies of disease development in MAP. We hypothesise that given these existing gaps in knowledge, current clinical guidelines do not adequately detect and manage elevated risk of intestinal disease development and progression in MAP patients.

For this project, the post holder will obtain and maintain patient data (including covering governance and contracts for data collection) from partners within an international consortium. They will utilise the largest prospectively collected clinical dataset of MAP patients to identify disease-development and progression-associated factors. The dataset will provide an evidence-base for developing future clinical recommendations on the management of patients with MAP.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity in all its practices and activities. We aim to establish an inclusive environment and welcome diverse applications from the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.

As an inclusive and welcoming workplace, we value people for their skills regardless of their background. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English.

Welsh Language Skills

The Welsh language level required for this role is Level 1 - A little. The role holder will be able to pronounce Welsh words, answer the phone in Welsh (good morning/afternoon) and use very basic everyday words and phrases (thank you, please etc.). Level 1 can be reached by completing a 1 hour course.

The University is a proud bilingual institution, our Welsh Language Strategy outlines our aspiration to promote the language and enable our staff to engage with the language as an additional workplace skill and as a gateway to new cultural and social opportunities. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English. Welsh speakers have the right to an interview in Welsh. Applicants for a role where Welsh skills are essential are expected to present their application in Welsh and will be interviewed in Welsh, if shortlisted.

Additional Information

Cover letter and CV should detail experience in supporting and leading clinical and patient centred research, including experience with research governance and clinical trials.

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