Preventing muscle wasting in critically ill patients by repetitive occlusive stimulus

This is a two-year fixed-term position for a Research Assistant (RA), with the option to register for a fully funded PhD Studentship. The RA will work full time on a randomized feasibility study entitled ‘Preventing muscle wasting in critically ill patients by repetitive occlusive stimulus (ROS)’. The aim is to resolve areas of uncertainty regarding the administration and safety of ROS (also known as blood flow restriction or ischemic preconditioning), an intervention which may provide an effective means to reduce the loss of muscle mass and strength in critically ill patients. The study is being conducted across two sites (Royal Surrey County Hospital [RSCH] and St Peter’s Hospital [SPH]) and in collaboration with the University of Surrey. As the study is taking place on two NHS hospital sites, travel will be required.

Applicants should have degree in physiology or related field, and experience of collecting quantitative data in human trials is desirable. You will be trained in clinical trial conduct (GCP, screening, enrolment and consent procedures, and assessments – clinical, functional and physiological) and specific related skills, including the use of ultrasound to accurately and reproducibly image muscles and blood vessels in the lower limb. You will have the opportunity to present findings at national and international conferences, and publish work in scientific journals.

The RA will be based within the clinical intensive care unit (ICU) at RSCH, and will have the opportunity to register for a PhD within the School of Bioscience and Medicine, at the University of Surrey. As a PhD student, you would be expected to contribute to further investigations (clinical and/or non-clinical trials) on the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of ROS, on vascular and skeletal muscle function.