Call for Expressions of Interest: Guidelines Systematic Review Assistant
Please note that this is an intern/voluntary role to gain relevant experience and not a paid position.
- Deadline for applications: - 31 July 2026
- Location: UK-based
- Commitment: Approximately 15-20 hours per week (flexible depending on availability)
About the Role
We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers and early-career researchers to support a systematic review project. This is an excellent opportunity for students and healthcare professionals interested in evidence synthesis, research methodology, and guideline development.
Previous experience with systematic reviews is desirable but not essential, as full training and support will be provided. Applicants with previous experience conducting systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses are also encouraged to apply and may be considered for additional responsibilities, including data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and meta-analysis support.
Key Responsibilities
- Screen titles and abstracts against predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.
- Review full-text articles for studies that progress beyond abstract screening.
- Record and document reasons for exclusion at the full-text screening stage.
- Identify and flag unclear or borderline studies for discussion with the review team.
- Participate in calibration exercises to ensure consistency across reviewers.
- Attend brief team meetings to discuss and resolve screening discrepancies.
Eligibility
We welcome applications from individuals based in the UK from a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to:
- NMC-registered nurses, particularly those with an interest or background in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC).
- Doctors and medical students (affiliation with a Royal College is desirable but not essential).
- Master's students in Public Health, Nursing, Epidemiology, or related disciplines.
- Microbiology or infectious disease trainees and researchers.
- Public health practitioners, including those affiliated with the NHS or UKHSA.
- Individuals with an interest in research and evidence-based practice.
Previous experience in systematic reviews is desirable but not essential.
What You Will Gain
- Hands-on experience contributing to a real-world systematic review project.
- Training in systematic review methodology, including title/abstract and full-text screening.
- Insight into evidence synthesis and guideline development processes.
- Experience working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team.
- Development of transferable research skills, including critical appraisal, study selection, and evidence-based decision-making.
- Opportunities to contribute to advanced review activities, such as data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and meta-analysis support (depending on experience and project needs).
What We Offer
- A Certificate of Participation from the Healthcare Infection Society (HIS) recognising your contribution and developed skillset.
- Acknowledgement in the final publication or guideline (upon request and subject to satisfactory contribution).
- CPD recognition/points can be self-accredited, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
- Support, guidance, and mentorship from experienced researchers throughout the project.
- Opportunities to expand your role and responsibilities based on experience, performance, and project requirements.
How to apply:
If you are interested in gaining hands-on research experience and contributing to an important evidence synthesis project, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Please send in your expression of interest statement (max 500 words), detailing why you would like to be considered for this role along with a brief CV (max 2 pages) to ananya.pr@his.org.uk.
Deadline for applications: - 17:00 BST, 31 July 2026