Research Associate – Interdisciplinary Systematic Review: mechanistic evide

at  The University of Manchester

Two Research Associates are required to work on the UKRI-funded project, Interdisciplinary Systematic Review: mechanistic evidence and epistemic justice [jonwilliamson.uk], directed by Jon Williamson in the Department of Philosophy, University of Manchester. This position requires expertise in evidence review and research methods.
The positions must start on 16 January 2025 and the contract is for 2 years. The Research Associates will be based in the Department of Philosophy, in the School of Social Sciences.
The project is on the methodology of causal evaluation. When evaluating whether an intervention works, orthodox ‘evidence-based’ evaluation methods review certain kinds of studies (especially randomised trials) but exclude other relevant evidence (such as mechanistic studies and views of stakeholders). This project will apply an emerging philosophical theory of causal enquiry, Evidential Pluralism, to provide systematic foundations for a broader approach to evidence reviewone that includes a diverse range of evidence from across disciplines. This approach promises better informed and more inclusive evaluations. A new review of the effectiveness of face-mask mandates will help to test the approach.
Working under the guidance of the P.I. and co-leaders Trish Greenhalgh (Oxford) and Rebecca Helm (Exeter), you will have responsibility for (i) developing new methods for systematically reviewing evidence of the effectiveness of interventions; (ii) carrying out a review of the effectiveness of face-mask mandates for controlling respiratory infections to test the new methods; and (iii) assessing the extent to which the new methods mitigate specific epistemological and ethical objections to orthodox systematic review methods. You will also help to ensure that the new methods inform evaluation practice outside academia.

Please refer the Job description for details