Mobilising Knowledge to Address Antimicrobial Resistance: Conceptual Development and Empirical Testing Within Surgical Care Pathways (Medical Research Foundation National PhD Training Programme in AMR Research)

Whilst evidence exists on factors that amplify antimicrobial resistance (AMR) we lack understanding of how knowledge (i.e., what we know about factors that consolidate AMR; and associated guidelines) is mobilised within health systems. This project asks ‘How does knowledge get mobilised effectively to reduce AMR’? Mobilising knowledge entails social and behavioural elements. Currently, we do not understand who the ‘AMR knowledge-brokers’ (i.e., the people who facilitate knowledge mobilisation) are; what skills they need to have; or how they interact with system-level implementation mechanisms (e.g., hospital policies). This is an exciting multi-method project, for a Doctoral Scientist interested in working across disciplinary boundaries and within low-and-middle-income-country (LMIC) settings aiming to:
• Review evidence on knowledge mobilisation in AMR – informed by knowledge mobilisation, implementation research; and global health.
• Develop a theoretical framework based on the review on how AMR knowledge is viewed and barriers/drivers to application; submit it to expert consensus for further validation.
• Apply the framework to surgical pathways within a LMIC setting, focusing on surgical guidelines, e.g., the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist.

Mixed methods (comparative case study methodology; ethnography; and quantitative data collection using validates scales) will be applied aiming to analyse precisely how knowledge is implemented in practice: e.g., assess fidelity of WHO Checklist implementation, study barriers/facilitators of it. These analyses will further test the validity and utility of the framework.

The successful candidate will be embedded in the King’s Interdisciplinary Social Science College Doctoral Training Centre (LISS-DTP) which will provide interdisciplinary training opportunities and local student cohort activities.

Applicants must have/or expect to gain a first class or upper second class honours degree or overseas equivalent in a relevant subject area. A Master’s Degree is preferable but not essential. We look for highly motivated applicants with excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.

Applicants are requested to send a full CV (including the names and email addresses of at least two academic referees), and personal statement (detailing why you are interested in the research project). Suitable candidates will be then asked to complete an electronic application form at in order for their qualifications to be addressed by College Registry.

A tax-free stipend and home UK/EU fees will be awarded. Overseas students should be able to demonstrate adequate financial support to cover the difference between the home/EU fee and the overseas fee.

Please submit your CV and personal statement to: Professor Nick Sevdalis ([Email Address Removed])