Three year position as PhD-candidate

Occupational therapy or surgery in carpometacarpal osteoarthritis

The department of rheumatology (Revmatologisk avdeling) has a high research activity; it has status as EULAR Centre of Excellence in rheumatologic research in Europe, www.eular.no and is centre in the South-East regional research network in rheumatology. It has received the grading "very good/excellent" in the recent evaluation of research undertaken by the Research Council of Norway, and 30 persons have completed their PhD at the department since 2000. The PhD position is with the National advisory unit on rheumatology rehabilitation (NKRR), which is located at the department of rheumatology. NKRR collects, develops and disseminates knowledge about rehabilitation for people with rheumatic diseases. The unit currently has affiliated 20 full- or part-time employees including 11 with doctoral qualifications, and several PhD- and post-doctoral students, www.nkrr.no. The PhD-position has duration for 3 years.

Arbeidsoppgaver

Working tasks:
The PhD-candidate will work in the project "Occupational therapy or surgery in carpometacarpal osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial", which recently received a research grant from the Norwegian Research Council in the HELSEFORSK programme. Three research questions will be addressed in the thesis:
1: Are there differences between departments of rheumatology with regards to degree of osteoarthritis, pain and functional limitations in patients who are referred for surgical consultation for carpometacarpal (CMC1) surgery
2. Are there variation in patients' motivation and reasons for wanting CMC1-surgery?
3. Does occupational therapy in the period before surgical consultation diminish the need for surgery in CMC1-OA?
Please contact the project leader for receiving a copy of the project protocol

Kvalifikasjoner

Qualifications:
. Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy
. Master's Degree or equivalent in Health Science, Occupational Therapy or another relevant subject area
. Good written and oral academic English
. Successful enrolment into the Health Science PhD program at the University of Oslo or the Oslo and Akershus University College is required shortly after entering the PhD position
. A final plan for the PhD education must be accepted and secured by agreement within 3 months after entering the position

Egenskaper

Desired skills and personal characteristics:
. Relevant research experience
. Experience in one or more of the following areas: Rheumatology, orthopaedics and/or hand therapy
. Ability to work independently and goal-oriented
. Good collaboration skills
. Organized
. Good ability to execute work in a timely manner

Vi tilbyr

We offer:
The possibility for academic development in a creative academic- and research environment.
A challenging and friendly work environment with tight mentorship, regular meetings and seminars.
Application:
Please describe in the application your motivation and qualifications for applying for the position. The application should also include critical reflections related to the study protocol (approximately one page in English). In the online application portal you will have to upload:
. Application CV (summarizing education, employments within or outside of academia)
. Copies of diplomas/certificates
. Copies of Master thesis and other scientific work you want the expert committee to assess, in addition to a list of your publications
. Names, email and telephone number of 2-3 referees (describe relation to applicant)