Vacancy Research Assistant on Systematic Reviews of Preclinical Research

Job description

Improving the quality of science by performing research on research; that is the daily business of the meta-research team! We now seek a motivated research assistant to support our ongoing research and training activities for systematic reviews of animal research, and take a leading role in our innovative project focused on advancing systematic reviews of in vitro research. Are you the one to join us?

The meta-research team studies the drivers for scientific integrity, robustness and reproducibility. We develop tools and guidance, and provide training to researchers worldwide, so they can improve their research practices. Techniques such as systematic review and meta-analysis are central to our work.

This project aims to enhance the methodology for systematic reviews of in vitro research, thereby increasing their value for human health and promoting animal-free research methods. It is rooted in ZonMW's 'More Knowledge with Fewer Animals' (MKMD) program, a pioneering initiative focused on reducing animal use in scientific research. We seek to collect, develop and refine systematic review methodologies specific to in vitro research, and to create training materials in this area. By fostering collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders, we aim to ensure that in vitro systematic review findings are robust and can effectively inform clinical and regulatory decisions.

Key responsibilities are:

• Support ongoing research and traning activities for systematic reviews of animal research.
• Conduct systematic literature searches, selection, data extraction and synthesis for umbrella reviews of 1) current practice in in vitro SRs and 2) existing tools for in vitro SRs.
• Assist in the development and refinement of in vitro search filters.
• Engage with the systematic review community to develop a roadmap for future research.
• Prepare and present findings in written reports, scientific publications, and presentations.
• Collaborate with the team, our international colleagues in CAMARADES and other stakeholders to ensure the dissemination and implementation of project deliverables.
• Contribute to the development of training materials, such as info clips and E-learning.

Place of work

The meta-research team (3 mid-career researchers) is part of the department of Anesthesiology, which fosters opportunities to interact with clinicians and (pre-)clinical researchers. We are also the Dutch coordinating center of CAMARADES, the international collaboration of pre-clinical meta-researchers, which offers many possibilities for international collaborations with i.a. Edinburgh, Berlin and Zurich. You will have the benefits of working with a small core team, while profiting from getting to know our extensive national and international network of collaborators!

Radboudumc
Welcome to Radboud university medical center (Radboudumc), where our research groups strive for innovative solutions that make impact on health and healthcare. We challenge the status quo to overcome current and future health challenges. Our goal is to shape the future of healthcare for generations to come. Our focus is on prevention, sustainability, and meaningful care, which we achieve through our in-depth understanding of disease mechanisms, clinical science, public health research, medical technology and data science. Our approach is centered on breakthroughs that can truly enhance personalized healthcare and public health. 

At Radboudumc, a comprehensive range of research programs provide the compass for our research efforts. Each program has a clear goal, where collaboration within and outside our organization is highly valued. We integrate care, education and research in partnership with our patients to ensure that our research programs have significant impact on health and healthcare. We invite you to join us in our mission to create a healthy future for all.

Profile

You are passionate about improving the quality of science, and about the role systematic review and meta-analysis of in vitro studies can play in this process. The position requires that you have a systematic, structured work approach and attention to detail. You possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills to evaluate research methodologies and interpret data effectively. You enjoy working collaboratively with local and international colleagues, but are also able to take the lead and work independently on your key tasks.

The position further requires you to have a Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., biomedical sciences, toxicology, pharmacology, or related disciplines). Prior experience in conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses is highly desirable. Familiarity with in vitro research methodologies and/or the development of teaching or training materials is a plus.

Employment conditions

At Radboud university medical center, you build on your future. We are committed to providing the best care, education, and research. And we are true to our word, because we help you develop and seize opportunities and give you the room to grow. As an employer, we believe that employees should feel vital and happy at work in all stages of life. We are also committed to creating a healthy and safe working environment. Our employment conditions contribute to that. What we offer:

• A gross monthly salary between € 3.330 and € 4.429 (scale 8) for full-time employment (36 hours per week). You will also receive an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and, depending on the position, an allowance of 47% to 72% for working irregular hours.
• 176 vacation hours per year based on a 36-hour working week. 

And there is more..

• An Employment Conditions Selection Model, allowing you to use part of your employment conditions to your choosing. For example, you can use your gross salary to purchase additional vacation hours or hours for providing informal caregiving. Or, for example, you can use your gross end-of-year bonus to purchase a bicycle, so you pay less tax.
• Plenty of opportunities for personal development. You can take a variety of courses in our online learning environment. 
• Your well-being and vitality are a priority. For example:
  • Save time for work-life balance leave. 
  • You can enjoy unlimited access to a variety of activities five days a month and take advantage of all the facilities at Radboud Sport & Culture for only €27.05 per month (instead of €41)
  • Healthy Professionals program to help you manage your energy. 
  • Company Support Team and a personal coach if you are going through a life-changing event.
  • Financially beneficial working less through a Generation Scheme as you approach state pension age.
• Support in achieving a good work-life balance at every stage of your life. Examples:
  • Advice and courses on, for example, 'Millennial dilemmas' and 'Your Career After 57'.
  • Activities at our own mindfulness center.
  • Informal caregiving consultations if you have questions about juggling work and caregiving responsibilities at home.
• In addition to statutory pregnancy and maternity leave, Radboud university medical center offers 26 weeks of parental leave, nine of which are paid. In addition, as a partner you can take a maximum of five weeks of supplementary partner leave. During supplementary partner leave and parental leave, we supplement the UWV benefit up to 100% of your salary.
• Pension accrual at the ABP Pension Fund. Radboud university medical center pays 70% of the pension premium. 
• Discounts on supplementary packages of two group health insurances and ten other types of insurance, from home insurance to legal assistance.
• An allowance for your commuting costs of € 0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km one way. If you use public transport to commute, we will fully reimburse the public transport costs (2nd class). If you regularly work from home, you will receive a working from home allowance of € 2.35 per day.

Application procedure

Are you ready to think further for our patients and our care? We would like to receive your application before 9 January 2025. We will then contact you shortly. The job interviews takes place on 20 January 2025. We would appreciate it if you would take this into account.

Good to know

• This position requires a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).
• You can find more information about our application procedure and frequently asked questions on our website.
• Will you be our new colleague? Then you will be given the time and space to get to know your role, your workplace, and your colleagues. An induction day for all new colleagues is an integral part of your onboarding program. 

We are recruiting for this position ourselves. Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated, but do feel free to share the vacancy in your network!

Contact

Any questions? Or wondering what it is like to work at Radboudumc? Then send an email to Kim Wever, Assistant Professor. Use the Apply button to submit your application.