Research Fellow for Development of a Novel Vestibular Diagnostic

This goal of this project is to develop a novel vestibular diagnostic test based upon a technique called Electrical Vestibular Stimulation (EVS). EVS potentially offers a faster, cheaper and more patient-friendly alternative to existing diagnostics. We have obtained the proof of principle that EVS can successfully detect deficits in patients with peripheral vestibular disorders (MRC Confidence-in-Concept funded project). This confirmed that EVS offers similar diagnostic efficacy to Caloric irrigation, while being significantly more patient-friendly in terms of increased comfort and less contraindications.

The current project, funded by the MRC Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme, will extend this work to clinically validate EVS against the alternative diagnostics in a larger cohort of patients. We will study the ocular response to EVS in patients with Meniere's disease and Vestibular Schwannoma. The results of EVS will be compared against those of the existing vestibular diagnostics including vHIT and Caloric irrigation. The project is led by Dr Raymond Reynolds, Senior Lecturer at The School of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences, and Mr Richard Irving, ENT Surgeon at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The post holder will be supported by a clinical trainee based at the QE Hospital, in addition to a project manager based at UoB. Furthermore, the project will involve collaboration with Mr Darren Whelan, UK Clinical & Research Manager for Interacoustics, a world-leader in hearing and balance diagnostics.

Role Summary:
The post holder will undertake a comparison of EVS against the leading alternative vestibular diagnostics in a large cohort of patients with Meniere's disease and Vestibular Schwannoma. They will be involved in all aspects of the research, from patient recruitment and testing through to data analysis and preparation of publications. Patient recruitment will be undertaken in collaboration with colleagues at the nearby Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Patient testing will be undertaken in the laboratories of The School of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences. This will involve the use of custom-designed equipment in addition to commercially available diagnostic tests. Both data acquisition and analysis will involve the use of Matlab and Simulink; hence, experience with this software is desirable. More generally, previous experience of independently setting up and troubleshooting custom human physiology/neuroscience experiments is highly desirable. Experience working with clinical populations would be advantageous. In addition to achieving the main project milestones the post holder will have the opportunity to develop related research projects in consultation with the PIs.

Main Duties:
- Develop patient recruitment strategies to ensure targets are met and the project runs to time, in collaboration with clinical colleagues
- Develop and validate the vestibular testing facilities within the SportExR laboratories
- Undertake diagnostic vestibular testing of vestibular patients and control participants at SportExR
- Analyse and interpret data using software such as Matlab and Excel
- Present data to the research team, and at national and international conferences
- Draft and submit academic publications
- Regularly liaise with the research team, including Principal Investigators, Project Manager, Clinical Research Assistant and Industrial Collaborator, to ensure that project milestones are met
- Undertake day-to-day administration and management e.g., purchasing, subject expenses etc
- Liaise with the University Research Support Group/Clinical Research Compliance Team and their NHS counterparts to ensure research governance compliance
- Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
- Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD/UG students where appropriate to the discipline
- Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines

Person Specification:
- Undergraduate degree (min 2:1) in Audiology, Human Neuroscience, Physiology, Psychology, Neurophysiology, or related discipline
- PhD in Audiology, Human Neuroscience, Physiology, Psychology, Neurophysiology, or related discipline
- Track record of research in human physiology/neurophysiology
- Clear evidence of independent contribution to research, including first-author publications
- High level analytical capability, including experience in Matlab
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly
- Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
- Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
- Ability to co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort

DBS clearance is required prior to appointment. All successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory DBS clearance before any appointment is confirmed.