Research Associate - Mapping Maternal Care Pathway (10414)

Every 16 seconds a family suffers from a stillbirth, and the rate of unexplained stillbirth is trending upward. Stillbirth often occurs because of an issue with the amount of oxygen that the developing fetus receives. However, the combination of drivers in each case is unique, and current technologies for predicting stillbirth do not take into account the interactions between the mother, fetus, and placenta when determining risk. As such, prediction of stillbirth falls short. Our team has developed a new way to integrate clinical data to predict how much oxygen is available to a fetus in pregnancy; this tool is called SADIE. Early testing shows the capabilities of SADIE are promising. This research fits within wider product development/design workflows by seeking to understand the care pathways that SADIE will engage with in the NHS through stakeholder engagement and qualitative research approaches. We anticipate future commercialisation of this technology will enable a step-change in a clinician’s ability to take the right steps at the right time to both reduce the occurrence of stillbirth and the short and long term costs associated with preterm birth and neonatal intensive care.

This project will be completed in collaboration with the University of Manchester and will entail spending time there. This working pattern is flexible (including part-time hours, minimum 18.75 per week) and will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate.