As an independent, non-governmental, non-profit cancer research Organisation established under the laws of Belgium, its mission is to coordinate and conduct international translational and clinical research to improve the standard of cancer treatment for patients.
EORTC aims ultimately to increase people’s survival and quality of life by testing new therapeutic strategies based on existing drugs, surgery, and radiotherapy. EORTC also helps develop new drugs and approaches in partnership with the pharmaceutical industry and in patients’ best interests.
In addition to independence, EORTC is recognised for scientific and methodological rigor bringing robust datasets to doctors and patients for therapeutic improvement. EORTC covers all disciplines to fight against cancer. EORTC research leaves no one behind and addresses all patients, including patients with rare tumours and specific patient populations.
The EORTC Quality of Life (QoL) Department offers a One-year research fellowship (renewable to a maximum of 3 years) to an early career researcher on the topic of guidelines for assessing quality of life data in cancer clinical trials. This project aims to update the QLG guidelines for assessing QoL data in EORTC clinical trials. The project offers the chance to gain experience of working in a multi-disciplinary setting undertaking research in the fields of quality of life, statistics, oncology, and clinical trials. The health-related quality of life in cancer clinical trials is measured using psychometrically validated questionnaires and analyzed using various statistical methods ranging from linear mixed models to survival analysis.
This position requires both qualitative research skills and experience with quantitative research methods. The fellow will help with literature reviews, organizing meetings, conducting interviews with clinicians, statisticians and quality of life specialists, writing up papers and guidelines. We welcome applications from different scientific backgrounds with interested in quality of life, clinical trials and statistics.
Main responsibilities / Major Activities
- Coordinate and manage the day-to-day activities of the project
- Organize and participate in stakeholder meetings, and synthesize the information gathered in the meetings to feed into the guidelines.
- With guidance from principal investigators, develop interview guidelines and conduct interviews with experts.
- Prepare the structure and content of the guidelines.
- Undertake systematic reviews of QOL literature.
- Synthesize information on the design, conduct and analysis of clinical studies in oncology.
- Work closely with other members of the team and international collaborators to successfully deliver project outputs
- Present findings in international conferences
- Write final reports and co-author articles for publication
Profile
- A master’s degree or PhD in psychology, health or social sciences, economics or an equivalent science degree
- Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research is an asset. Interest in statistics is desirable
- Interest in clinical trial design, analysis and reporting with a focus on Quality of Life endpoints is essential
- Good communication skills, both orally and in writing, in English, is essential
- Experience in writing scientific publications, abstracts and grant applications is desirable
- Preferably experience in health-related outcome measures, quality of life research
- Excellent organizational skills and motivated and with own initiative
- A team player and with a collaborative mind set
- Ability to work independently, under the supervision of the quality of life department staff
