Research Associate (Fixed Term)

HMRN; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

The MRC Biostatistics Unit in Cambridge invites applications for a fixed-term Research Associate/Assistant role within the Efficient Study Design theme. The post combines applied statistical support to Papworth collaborators with methodological work on phase I dose-finding trials under expert supervision.

Applicants must have (or be nearing) a PhD and be able to work in a hybrid setting. The unit supports diversity and work-life balance and offers a collaborative scientific environment.

Qualifications

• PhD is required or near completion.
• Strong background in statistics for biomedicine and public health.
• Experience collaborating with clinical researchers is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide statistical advice, guidance and support to Papworth-based researchers and partners.
• Contribute to developing methodologies for response-adaptive early phase trials under supervision.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Clinical trial design

R programming

SAS programming

Education

PhD in biostatistics or related field

Tools

R

SAS

Job description

The MRC Biostatistics Unit is one of Europe's leading biostatistics research institutions. Our focus is to deliver new analytical and computational strategies based on sound statistical principles for the challenging tasks facing biomedicine and public health.

This position, part of the Efficient Study Design research theme of the MRC Biostatistics Unit (BSU), has 2 components, an applied one (60%) and a methodological one (40%):

• As a member of the Papworth trial unit collaboration (PTUC) statistical team led by Dr Dominique-Laurent Couturier, the post-holder will help providing statistical advice, guidance and support to Papworth based researchers and partners on aspects related to the design, monitoring, analysis, and dissemination of results.
• As a member of the team of Dr Pavel Mozgunov, the post-holder will contribute on developing statistical methodology for response-adaptive early phase clinical trials, namely, Phase I dose-finding trials, under the guidance of Dr Mozgunov. The focus of Phase I dose-finding research will be on the use of richer outcomes to guide the dose selection and on more individualised approaches to dose-escalation, so as many as possible patients in the trial can receive their best dose.

The Unit is situated on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, one of the world's most vibrant centres of biomedical research, which includes the University of Cambridge's Clinical School, two major hospitals, the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, and the world headquarters of Astra Zeneca.

We believe that talented and inclusive teams deliver the highest quality research. The Unit is actively seeking to increase diversity among its staff, creating opportunities for people traditionally under-represented in the biostatistics research community, including promoting an equitable representation of men and women. The Unit therefore especially encourages applications from women, from minority ethnic groups and from those with non-standard career paths. The Unit strives to maintain an environment where people can be their authentic selves. Appointment will be made on merit.

The Biostatistics Unit is committed to supporting hybrid working for all staff, but we do expect that staff will work from the office on a regular basis to help integration and to build our fantastic scientific community. Working entirely from the office is possible.

We welcome applications from those wishing to work part-time.

Informal enquires can be addressed to Dr Dominique-Laurent Couturier ([e-mail]) and Dr Pavel Mozgunov ([e-mail]).

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 £34,610) moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of your PhD award.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.