Research Assistant in Medical Statistics

University of Plymouth; Plymouth; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS pension

Generous annual leave

Flexible working

On-site nursery

Cycle to Work

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

The Medical Statistics group at the University of Plymouth invites applications for a graduate-level statistician to support the Down’s syndrome screening Quality Assurance Support Service (DQASS). The role focuses on statistical analysis, R programming, and database handling (including SQL) using data from NHS labs nationwide.

You will be on-site 1 day a week with hybrid options, and may engage in clinical trials and service contracts, under senior guidance.

Qualifications

• The ideal candidate holds or expects a summer 2026 degree in Statistics or Mathematics.
• Strong working knowledge of R programming and data analysis.
• Desirable familiarity with databases and SQL.

Responsibilities

• Perform statistical analysis and reporting of data submitted by screening laboratories.
• Handle data via R and SQL; respond to queries from laboratories and FASP.
• Support and collaborate on trials, longitudinal studies, and research projects.

Skills

R programming

Data interpretation

Communication skills

SQL databases

Education

Bachelor's degree in Statistics or Mathematics

Tools

R

SQL

Job description

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Research Assistant in Medical Statistics

Plymouth 20/09/2026

Job details

Salary £30,378 - £38,784 per annum

Grade 5/6

Contractual hours 37

Basis FR

Permanent Fulltime All Year

Interview date Week commencing Monday 12 October 2026

Job category/type Academic/Research

Date posted 19/08/2026

Job reference B1358

Attachments B1358 Job Description - Grade 6.pdf

Attachments B1358 Job Description - Grade 5.pdf

Description

About the role

The Medical Statistics group at the University of Plymouth is seeking to appoint a highly motivated graduate-level statistician to support the Down’s syndrome screening Quality Assurance Support Service (DQASS). This is an exciting chance to be part of a progressive and cutting-edge University in a beautiful location, where you can really make a difference.

The group has hosted DQASS since its inception in 2006. Funded by the NHS, DQASS is a statistical support service for NHS Down's syndrome screening laboratories nationwide. It reports to the NHS Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme (FASP) and is supported by the UK National Screening Committee. The overall aim of the programme is to ensure all pregnant women have access to a Down’s syndrome screening programme that is uniform, equitable and adheres to national guidance, supported by a quality assurance framework.

The primary function of this role is the statistical analysis, R programming, database handling (including SQL) and reporting of the data submitted by the screening laboratories to DQASS. Supported by senior staff, you will also deal with queries from the laboratories or FASP via email or over the phone.

The Medical Statistics group’s wider research encompasses clinical trials and pragmatic health services research (e.g. RCTs of medicinal products and complex interventions) and biomedical and clinical studies (e.g. screening and diagnostics; longitudinal studies). You will also support and work with senior colleagues on other projects such as clinical trials, longitudinal studies and service contracts, as well as contributing to the development of research ideas and funding proposals.

For more information on Peninsula Medical School please visit our dedicated webpage at https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools

For this role, you will need to be on site 1 days a week. Although we can accommodate working from home for this role, flexibility to be on-site will be expected due to business needs.

The successful candidate may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Dr Amy Baker: by email at [e-mail]

What we’re looking for

You will hold, or expect to graduate in summer 2026 with, a good first degree in Statistics or Mathematics and a strong working knowledge of R programming. Knowledge of databases and SQL are also desirable. You must have excellent communication skills and be able to communicate complex concepts to non-statisticians. There is scope for the role to be undertaken in a hybrid manner and we are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.

About us

The Faculty of Health holds four Silver Athena Swan awards, which recognise our commitment to supporting gender equality within higher education.

The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our two strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute and the Sustainable Earth Institute. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.

Application Process

Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.

Our Offer

Staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria.

We have a wide range of staff benefits available to employees, depending on eligibility:

• Generous annual leave: 25 Days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays & Closure Days
• Generous pension scheme
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Development opportunities
• Enhanced family leave
• Flexible working
• Retailer discounts
• On-site nursery

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here .

Additional Information

The University of Plymouth is building an inclusive and equitable university where everyone feels represented, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is guided by the Inclusive Institutions Framework, a strategic and externally validated approach that embeds these principles across the entire institution. To find out more please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages