Research Assistant in Medical Statistics

Based in the Faculty of Health, the Peninsula Medical School aims to attract highly motivated and talented students to become the next generation of future-ready doctors, physician associates and radiographers, who are well prepared for a 21st Century career. The School’s innovative approach to education is underpinned by research and staff who are committed to scholarship that includes undertaking curriculum development and design activities.

The School takes pride in supporting the needs of the local region and recognises that providing excellent educational and personal development experiences, as well as world class research, requires true partnerships with key stakeholders from across the region and beyond. Our research – underpinned by significant grant capture – is translational, generates impact and serves our Peninsula population as well as having global impact.

A key strength is a close relationship with NHS partners, with early clinical contact for all students. The South West offers healthcare and learning opportunities of exceptional quality; University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust at Derriford is one of Europe’s largest hospitals and the only trauma centre in Devon and Cornwall.

Clinical research pathways within the School provide a research culture and environment that values talent and supports endeavour and innovation.

The School is strongly committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and holds an Athena Swan Silver Award recognising commitment to maintaining a culture of participation and inclusivity across all activities. The School is also signed up to the BMA Racial Harassment Charter which offers guidance and best practice to address the unacceptable barriers faced by BAME students as they negotiate their different learning environments.

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 Screening Quality Assurance Service, 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. randomised controlled trials of medicinal products and complex interventions) and biomedical and clinical studies (e.g. screening and diagnostics; longitudinal studies). Find out more: Medical Statistics. You will also have the opportunity to 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. 

You will hold, or expect to graduate in 2023 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.

The Medical Statistics group will encourage and support you in writing an application for an NIHR Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in order to undertake MSc studies alongside your work.

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

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

For an informal discussion, or to find out more about the role, please contact Amy Baker ([email protected] ) or Jade Chynoweth ([email protected] ) by email.

Interviews are likely to take place week commencing Monday 26th February 2024 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.

This is a full-time, permanent position, working 37 hours a week.  We are open to applications for full or part time hours and can support various models of remote working.  Please indicate your preference in your supporting statement.

We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.

The Faculty of Health holds two Silver and two Bronze Athena Swan Awards, which recognises commitment to supporting gender equality within higher education.

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

The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is 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.

The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages

We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+.

Job Description