PRR Project

Summary

The researcher position within the UICISA: E development strategic axis for Experimental and Applied Research in Healthcare Technologies aims to increase experimental and applied research in healthcare technologies and promote laboratory intensity.The purpose of innovation in healthcare technologies is to provide increasingly effective and safe care for both end users and healthcare professionals. Medical devices are a clear example of healthcare innovation, enhancing and improving healthcare interventions, from preventing disease and disability to promoting health and well-being, as well as contributing to the diagnosis and treatment of several clinical conditions. Regulation (EU) 2017/745 of the European Parliament regulates and standardizes the requirements of medical devices and health care technologies across several European Union countries. Currently, the involvement of the scientific community is being demanded in all stages of the product development cycle, including product monitoring after being placed on the market. Thus, to develop innovation in healthcare technologies, such as medical devices, the scientific community has to respond to the crucial challenge of developing and implementing solid methodological frameworks while complying with the regulatory requirements.This research position is aligned with this rationale. Therefore, the selected candidate should hold a Ph.D. in Nursing or other Health Sciences or related (such as relevant Social Sciences) field, and have expertise in healthcare technologies development. The selected researcher must be able to identify priority research areas within the scope of innovation in healthcare technologies, designing and conducting innovative research projects that specifically address healthcare needs, and establish a strong network with technological/ industrial partners, regulatory entities, notified bodies, end users, and healthcare professionals. The submission of research projects to national and international funding opportunities will also be an important component in the selected researcher’s work.Among the essential skills expected, the selected researcher must also possess expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, which is mandatory for the entire development cycle of healthcare technologies, such as medical devices. Specifically, the selected researcher will have to develop methodological approaches, including scientifically sound methods and instruments necessary to assess devices and technology during all stages of the product development cycle. Usability tests and pre-clinical and clinical investigation with devices will require the development of clinical investigation plans, case report forms, and clinical investigation reports. Additionally, the selected researcher will have to provide data on the potential use of patient-reported outcomes for the clinical investigation of new devices and technology in healthcare contexts, such as functional capacity and quality of life, cognitive and mental load, or physical demands, assessed through questionnaires, scales, biometrical sensors, and others.The selected researcher’s contributions are expected to enhance technological innovation and improve healthcare interventions to prevent disease and disability, by delivering innovative products, improving existing healthcare technology and devices, and playing an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of healthcare conditions through the development of technological research projects.