Research Associate -Software Engineer

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a highly skilled quantitative researcher specialising in evidence synthesis or digital health and computer science to provide crucial support to the Global Atopic Dermatitis Atlas (GADA) project.

GADA is a flagship international project under the leadership of Professor Carsten Flohr, Chair in Dermatology and Population Health Sciences at King's College London.

Find out more information about the GADA Project here:

https://leo-foundation.org/en/2023/10/30/atlas-mapping-the-global-burden-of-atopic-dermatitis/

https://www.atopicdermatitisatlas.org/en/

Atopic dermatitis (AD) stands as the most burdensome skin disease globally, ranking 15th among all non-fatal diseases. Significantly, there exists a knowledge gap regarding the prevalence, incidence, co-morbidities, and risk factors of AD, especially within middle- and low-income settings. Remarkably, there is currently no comprehensive atlas resource that systematically consolidates data on AD burden, co-morbidities, and risk factors.

The GADA project operates in close collaboration with the International League of Dermatological Societies, the International Eczema Council, and the International Society for Atopic Dermatitis, and the Global Burden of Disease project.

The incumbent in this position will take the lead in evidence synthesis projects spanning a wide array of topics, from disease prevalence and incidence to quality of life and access to medicines.

The research methods employed encompass the entire spectrum of evidence syntheses, from rapid scoping reviews to comprehensive systematic reviews, incorporating meta-analysis and network meta-analysis approaches, where appropriate. We also plan to use machine learning algorithms (www.robotreviewer.net) for rapid data harvesting, developed by our team.

In close collaboration with Professor Vasa Curcin (Head, KCL Digital Health Group) and his team, the post holder will also support the development of a digital platform for future GADA epidemiological fieldwork, using state-of-the-art computer science and mobile app technologies to collect environmental exposure data at the level of the individual.

This role is ideally suited for candidates with a strong background in evidence medicine, epidemiology, and/or digital health/computer science, or other related areas within applied health research.

Successful applicants will hold advanced degrees in a relevant discipline and have a proven track record of disseminating research findings through international peer-reviewed journals.

Additionally, they will possess exceptional communication and interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within a multi-disciplinary team.

For further information about this position, please do not hesitate to contact Professor Carsten Flohr, Director of the GADA project, at [email protected].

This post will be offered on a fixed-term contract until September 2026.

This is a full-time post - 100% full time equivalent; 5 days a week

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work as part of King’s hybrid working model, where you can work between your home and the office throughout the week. The expectation would be to be present in the office for on average of 4 days a week, which can be negotiated after 3 months. This will also have to be approved by the Line Managers.

• Lead/substantially contribute to evidence synthesis around the burden of atopic dermatitis and other atopic diseases, including undertaking systematic reviews, supervised by the Lead Investigator, in collaboration with the GADA Project Manager, the KCL Digital Health Group and the international team of co-investigators.
• Undertake data analysis, including meta-analyses, using appropriate statistical software and machine learning techniques, providing clear audit trails.
• Assist in the building of a digital eco-system for future epidemiological studies.
• Determine and apply appropriate research methodologies, with advice and support from the Lead Investigator and the wider GADA team.
• Work with and guide PhD students and other junior staff working within the GADA project.
• Work with members of the KCL and wider international GADA research team to develop research projects and take the lead on elements of particular projects.
• This will include international travel to GADA collaboration sites and could include fieldwork, for instance as part of the digital ecosystem piloting.
• Store and manage all data in suitable formats and maintain keep clear and systematic records.
• Write up research reports, minutes of meetings and drafts of publications as required.
• Keep an accurate record of research, using project management tools.
• Take responsibility for managing data according to data protection and ethical guidelines.
• Provide regular progress reports against agreed milestones both internally, and externally to collaborators.
• Assist in writing and submitting manuscripts relating to the work.
• To contribute to the overall activity of the research team as required.
• Perform simulations to assess various study design options and analysis approaches.
• Achieve the above objectives in a coordinated way by effective teamwork and collaboration with colleagues.

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Essential criteria

Desirable criteria

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.