University of Warwick – Warwick Medical School – Warwick Clinical Trials – Research Post on an Insole study

This is an exciting and challenging role for an experienced researcher to support the delivery of 
a new multi-centre clinical trial funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). We 
wish to appoint a podiatrist, orthotist or physiotherapist or other related specialism with 
experience in musculoskeletal or foot and ankle research. You will join the Big Toe Inserts trial 
team in delivering a UK wide randomised controlled trial evaluating carbon fibre shoe stiffening 
inserts, compared to sham inserts, for people with osteoarthritis of the big toe joint – the first 
metatarsophalangeal joint. 

You will be responsible for assisting the Chief Investigators and the Big Toe trial team in 
delivering the trial. Supported by the trial team, core responsibilities will include 1) preparing trial 
intervention materials (practitioner and participant manuals); 2) engaging with trial sites, deliver 
Big Toe Insert Trial practitioner training, and facilitating trial implementation at each recruitment 
site; and 3) providing ongoing support to Big Toe Insert practitioners at each site to aid timely 
participant recruitment, trial delivery, follow-up, and successful trial completion. We seek 
someone with research experience to undertake qualitative interviews with participants and 
practitioners. A willingness and ability to travel to clinical and research sites is required. 

Warwick CTU has an extensive track record and portfolio of NIHR funding and has successfully 
delivered numerous multi-centre trials evaluating complex interventions in clinical populations, 
published in high impact journals. The Surgery, Pain and Rehabilitation research group is an 
active multi-disciplinary clinical academic team, conducting a number of trials and observational 
studies to advance clinical practice in musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary disease. The Big 
Toe trial is led by Chief Investigator Dr Michael Backhouse, supported by leading UK clinicians 
and academics in musculoskeletal research. 

The wider team includes clinical trials expertise, health psychology, statistics, health economics, 
qualitative researchers, a senior project manager, trial coordinator and administrators. This post 
is based mainly at Warwick CTU, a purpose designed premises at the University of Warwick’s 
Gibbet Hill campus, with offices also based at UHCW Clinical Sciences Building. Warwick CTU 
is an NIHR registered CTU with around 120 staff. You will also support the research group to 
develop and enhance its academic output and reputation.

Please note:

1.Due to the nature of this role, the successful applicant will be required to undergo 
enhanced level disclosure before commencing research with hospital sites. Clearance 
obtained via another institution or body cannot be transferred. 
2.The successful applicant will be required to undergo a Pre-Employment Medical Check 
before commencing work with the University. This will involve a medical history 
questionnaire, a Hepatitis B vaccination (if not already had) and may also require an 
appointment with a member of the University’s Occupational Health team. 
This post is intended for a physiotherapist, orthotist, or podiatrist or other related specialism
with a clinical or research background in musculoskeletal or foot and ankle rehabilitation, 
wishing to undertake research and pursue a clinical academic career. We are looking for an 
exceptional, highly motivated individual with expertise in musculoskeletal health research. 
Qualitative research and clinical trials experience is desirable but not essential. The post will be 
fully integrated within a successful and productive research group undertaking NIHR funded 
trials in surgery, pain and rehabilitation.