Research Associate/ Senior Research Associate (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge’s Biostatistics Unit is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to advance novel statistical methods for adaptive clinical trials within the BMBR-funded project. You will develop guidelines around the use of these methods in practice and implement them in statistical software.

You will also contribute to outreach activities and support the planning of innovative clinical trials, working with Dr David Robertson within the Efficient Study Design theme.

Job description

Reference: SL50853

This position is part of the Better Methods Better Research (BMBR)-funded project "Confidence intervals and distributions for adaptive clinical trials". The postholder will work on the development of novel statistical methodology for assessing the uncertainty around treatment effect estimates in adaptive clinical trials, will develop guidelines around the choice and use of these methods in practice, and will implement the developed methods in statistical software.

The postholder will also contribute to the outreach activities and will have an opportunity to support the planning of innovative clinical trials. This postholder will work with Dr David Robertson within the Efficient Study Design (ESD) theme of the MRC Biostatistics Unit.

The work is embedded within the MRC Biostatistics Unit, 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. 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.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

The closing date for applications is: 28th September 2026

The interview date for the role is: 12th October 2026

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

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.