Post-doctoral 100% research fellowship in psychology or other relevant health profession (August 2019 - June 2023) at Centre for Rare Disorders

Centre for Rare Disorders in Norway is a multidisciplinary, nationwide resource centre offering information, counselling and seminars about 100 rare disorders. We cover medical, social and pedagogical aspects, and our services are aimed at patients/persons with a rare disorder and their families, as well as professionals working with these disorders.

Centre for Rare Disorders has an active research team, and is currently involved in several larger studies, in collaboration with specialised health services, and national and international universities.  You can find more information about the centre and other ongoing projects on our website www.sjeldnediagnoser.no

A 100 % post-doctoral research fellowship is available at Centre for Rare Disorders,  Oslo University Hospital, Norway (August 2019 - June 2023). 

Project title: Online psychosocial support for young people distressed by appearance-altering conditions: A randomised control trial (RCT) 

Centre for Rare Disorders has received funding from the Research Council of Norway for the testing and evaluation of an online intervention programme (www.ypfaceit.co.uk), developed at the Centre for Appearance Research (Bristol, UK). The programme has been designed to help young people (12-17 years) who struggle with appearance-related challenges due to congenital or acquired conditions affecting their appearance (such as craniofacial conditions, burns, skin conditions, birth marks, among many other conditions). The intervention has been developed to provide specialised advice, teach coping and social skills, hence strengthening psychological adjustment to a visible difference. The programme was developed in close collaboration with young people and clinical experts. Suitability, acceptability, and feasibility has been evaluated in the UK and in Norway. Ongoing projects are also testing the programme's efficacy in the Netherlands, Australia, and the US.

The main objective of the current study is to evaluate and implement this new eHealth-based treatment method in Norway. The aim is to recruit approximately 160 young people with any appearance-altering condition, injury, or treatment side-effect, who also self-identify as experiencing appearance-related distress, teasing or bullying. Participants will be recruited into the study through health care services, user organisations, and the media.

The research team consists of strong collaborators nationally (University of Oslo and University of Bergen) and internationally (University of the West of England, Centre for Appearance Research). The project leader is Kristin Billaud Feragen (Clinical Psychologist, PhD, Research Coordinator at Centre for Rare Disorders).

Only applications submitted through Webcruiter will be evaluated. The application can be sent in English or Norwegian Language.

Work tasks:

• Management and co-responsibility for everyday project tasks
• Contribute to visibility of the project in relevant centralised and local services (hospitals, schools, patient associations) in order to recruit a large and broad sample of young people 
• Take responsibility for quantitative and qualitative analyses 
• Produce publications and project reports 
• Dissemination of results into local and specialised health care, conferences and other events 
• Implementation of the intervention at the end of the project period
• Co-supervision of PhD candidate and other students involved in the study  
• Some travel must be expected, mostly within Norway 

Qualifications:

• PhD in psychology or other relevant health profession
• The candidate should demonstrate a promising publication record 
• Knowledge of health and appearance psychology and/or internet-based interventions is not necessary but highly welcome 
• Good understanding of quantitative and qualitative methods 
• Experience with SPSS or similar statistical programmes 
• Proficiency in both written and oral English 
• Proficiency in written and oral Norwegian is an advantage. However, candidates without Norwegian language skills but with significant experience in the psychology of appearance and/or internet-based interventions are encouraged to apply. 
  

Personal qualities:

• High motivation and enthusiasm for this specific research project
• Emphasis will be placed on personal suitability  
• Ability to flexibly solve project-related challenges
• Ability to work in a systematic and structured way 
• Ability to work both independently and within a research team 
• Professionally confident and able to take responsibility for the management of project processes, quality, and evaluation
• Efficient and hardworking
  

We can offer: 

• An interdisciplinary work environment with committed colleagues
• National and international collaborators  
• Salary in accordance with the hospital's wage policy 
• Flexible working hours 
• Pension scheme membership