Maria Armaou

An experienced research associate in health studies, familiar with clinical trials’ research procedures, and with previous involvement in qualitative and mixed methods research studies. Expertise in preparing precise reports and providing strategic recommendations to support final decisions, quantitative analysis using SPSS, qualitative research using NVivo and MAXQDA, and report writing for academic, business, and diverse types of stakeholders. Proven track record in publishing scholarly articles and completing research projects.

Expert in systematic review processes and narrative synthesis. Energetic team player with dedication to achieving patient-centered outcomes using qualitative and mixed methods research approaches; committed to leveraging interdisciplinary knowledge to foster advancements in research practices.

July 2022-…: Associate Outcomes Researcher, ICON plc

• Contributed to the development of study protocols and study material according to requirements of different projects as part of contracted work in the patient-centered outcomes team
• Conducted Concept elicitation and cognitive interviews with patients, caregivers and clinicians, and carried out qualitative analysis on MAXQDA, contributing to reports, slide-decks and manuscripts.

April 2021-June 2022: Part time Postgraduate Research Assistant-Oxford Brookes University

• Led the design, conduct, quality appraisal, synthesis, and writing-up of a systematic review of reviews 
• Performed and analysed virtual interviews with front-line healthcare professionals that worked or managed rapidly formed interprofessional COVID teams

March 2018- March 2021: Part-time Qualitative Research Assistant - University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust -Academic Team of Musculoskeletal Surgery

• Co-ordinated, conducted, and analysed phone interviews with patients participating in the DISC trial as outlined in the trial protocol in conjunction with the lead Qualitative Researcher
• Performed initial review of interview data, first-time coding using NVivo, developed and organised thematic categories, and reviewed progress with the rest of the team.
• Contributed to a cross-sectional prospective study to understand the experiences, concerns, and expectations of patients on waiting lists for planned care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Led Recruitment Pathways Support research for an ongoing multisite trial that developed and implemented integrated, actionable plans for trial teams to support recruitment

September 2016- August 2017 Research Assistant - Coventry University

• Supported the analysis and the dissemination of the findings of the WorkPlan intervention that aimed to improve work-related outcomes following return-to-work among cancer survivors using Excel, Word, Powerpoint, SharePoint, SPSS and NVivo. 
• Day-to-day management of the project including: database management, phone interviews, data entry/management and analysis, report writing and presentations to the study’s PPI group; Performed and supported data collection; Analysed qualitative data using framework analysis ; Disseminated findings through report writing and academic papers

2018-2025: Part-time PhD, Health Studies, University of Nottingham

2007-2008: MSc, Occupational Psychology, University of Nottingham 

2001-2006: BSc, Psychology, Kapodistriako and National University of Athens