Senior Research Fellow/Research Fellow

University of Plymouth; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Plymouth seeks a qualified statistician to join its Medical Statistics Group. The role involves supporting clinical trials, contributing to teaching, and supervising research students. Candidates must have a PhD in biostatistics or a related area and experience in clinical trial statistics. The position offers flexibility, competitive benefits, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible working

Retailer discounts

On-site nursery

Qualifications

• Proven ability to write to the standard required for research reports/international publications.
• Experience supervising postgraduate research students.
• Able to develop research ideas and funding proposals.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the teaching commitments of the group.
• Support externally funded research projects.
• Analyse complex clinical trials.

Skills

Experience in clinical trial statistics

Ability to write for research reports

Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., Stata, SAS, R)

Education

PhD in biostatistics or related subject

Job description

Overview

About the role. This role will be based in the Medical Statistics Group which is part of Peninsula Medical School at the University of Plymouth. The Medical Statistics Group provides a methodological platform and support for large-scale and wide-ranging research projects and has collaborations with researchers across the University of Plymouth, the NHS and national and international research groups. We are particularly keen to develop capacity in our areas of strength, including clinical trials, longitudinal studies and risk assessment and screening, as well as developing the methodological work of the group.

Responsibilities

• Have a proven ability to write to the standard required for research reports/international publications, with interpersonal skills and the ability to liaise effectively with a wide range of people, including across a range of international institutions.
• Contribute to the teaching commitments of the group and be expected to supervise postgraduate research students and provide support and mentoring to less experienced colleagues.
• Have experience in clinical trial statistics and/or medical statistics, with experience of analysing complex clinical trials, with proficiency in one or more statistical software packages (e.g. Stata, SAS, R).
• Be expected both to support externally funded research projects, including clinical trials working in collaboration with the UKCRC-registered Peninsula Clinical Trials Unit (PenCTU), and identify and develop research ideas and develop these into funding proposals.
• Have a PhD in biostatistics or related subject with a numerate or computational component (including machine learning, data science, mathematics or a computational science), or a postgraduate qualification with a major statistical component.

There is scope for the role to be undertaken in a hybrid manner and we are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

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

This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a permanent basis.

About us

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

How to discuss the role

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Victoria Allgar by email at [e-mail]

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

About the Faculty and University

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 supported by our three strategic Research Institutes: the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. 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

Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

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

Interviews are expected to take place week commencing Monday 3 November 2025.

Our Offer

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

When joining us, you will receive:

• Generous annual leave: 35 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.

A relocation package may be available to the successful candidate, conditions apply.

Additional Information

The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background. To find out more about our inclusive community initiatives, such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter, please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages