Russell Fleming, Content Manager, ME Association
Do you have a passion for M.E. research? Then please consider an application to join our team. Being a research correspondent is an exciting opportunity for someone who:
- has a scientific background and a good knowledge of research issues relating to M.E.,
- has good interpersonal skills,
- has the confidence to work independently,
- can produce work to a high standard, and,
- is able to work from home.
Your key role will be helping others in our community better understand the research advances that are taking place, advances that have the potential to bring us all hope.
- The position is flexible and there are no set hours required, but you will be responsible for producing the MEA Weekly Research Update and for maintaining the MEA Index of Published ME/CFS Research.
- We would also expect you to produce occasional lay summary reports of important or interesting research publications, and reports about causation or symptomatology based on research evidence.
- You would also be expected to report on research conferences and to attend occasional meetings, such as the ME Biobank Steering Group in London, by attending them in person or virtually.
- Reports will appear in ME Essential magazine or the MEA website blog and social media platforms.
Conferences and meetings are variable, but it is important to consider your mobility status as travel is likely to include conferences and meetings in Bristol and London if physical attendance at meetings resumes in 2021.
- It is likely that routine responsibilities will take 2 hours each week or 8-10 hours each month.
- Report writing could take between 2-6 hours each month in addition depending on suitable publications.
- Conferences and meetings will be variable and attendance will be discussed beforehand.
You will need:
- to have a real interest in M.E. research and a desire to help others in our community better understand the science and be kept promptly informed of developments.
- to demonstrate good writing skills and a sound understanding of medical science with the ability to turn scientific jargon into lay summaries.
- to generate quality work within deadline for publication.
- the ability to accurately monitor research as it is published, to feature and comment on these publications in the weekly update, to include them in the research index, and to write about them more fully in any agreed upon summary reports.
- to possess the confidence and ability to work remotely from home and attend meetings and conferences as an MEA representative, where you will be expected to take notes and produce internal and external reports.
- to occasionally assist Dr Shepherd with grant applications made to the MEA Ramsay Research Fund and give opinions on internal research-related discussions.
- access to a reliable computer with good internet access and be able to attend virtual meetings.
Join our team
Working for the ME Association is very rewarding. This role could provide you with a sense of purpose and help you gently return to the world of work or provide an additional income.
If you think you can commit to this role – and if you have M.E. that it is stable enough to allow it – then please get in touch.
- Briefly explain (in no more than 200 words) why you will make an excellent research correspondent and send with a short C.V. to: Russell.Fleming@meassociation.org.uk
- Please title your application: ‘MEA Research Correspondent’.
- The deadline for applications is Wednesday 30 September at 5.00pm.
- The hourly rate of pay will be £10.
We will review all applications and then conduct telephone or video interviews with shortlisted candidates before making an appointment within the first weeks of October.
We look forward to hearing from you and wish you the best of luck.
The ME Association is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all whatever their gender, ethnicity, age, or other attribute, and encourage all to apply.
The ME Association
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