Posted on: 03 Nov 2026

Location: Bangalore

Employment Type: Contract

Experience: 2–3 years of clinical or research experience

Job Summary:

Rheumatoid Arthritis affects approximately 0.5–1% of the adult population, translating into a substantial disease burden and contributing disproportionately to societal disability. Methotrexate monotherapy is the standard first-line treatment; however, it leads to only 30–50% achieving low disease activity and most patients require addition of other DMARDs (conventional, biologic or targeted-synthetic). Initiating treatment with combination of methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine, may improve efficacy by 10–20%; partly by increasing methotrexate levels. In addition, hydroxychloroquine has favorable metabolic effects like lipid lowering. Despite widespread use, robust adequately powered randomized evidence comparing first-line methotrexate monotherapy with methotrexate–hydroxychloroquine combination is lacking.



This proposed study is a Sequential step-up strategy trial that mirrors real-world decision making and aims to answer two clinically relevant questions in one study with a resource-effective framework: (i) the optimal initial csDMARD strategy, and (ii) the most effective step-up approach in patients with inadequate response. By generating pragmatic and contextually relevant evidence, this study has the potential to directly inform treatment algorithms in resource-constrained settings. Salary : Rs.23,400/- p.m

No of Vacancy : One

Key Responsibilities:

- Conduct detailed screening and recruitment of study -participants
- Study Implementation & Coordination
- Data Management & Quality Control
- Sample Collection & Handling
- Maintain study logs
- Participant Counselling & Retention

Eligibility Criteria:

Preferred Qualifications: Graduate

Age Limit: 28 Years

Preferred Language: English, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu

Tentative Date of Joining : 15thNovember 2026

To Apply: E-mail cover letter and curriculum vitae with 3 references (names and email addresses / phone numbers) by on or before 9th October 2026 to [email protected] & cc to [email protected]

📌 Project Technical Support - I- ICMR - Smart RA Project (Bengaluru)
🏢 St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences
📍 Bengaluru