Research Assistant/Research Associate (Statistics)

17911BR

School of Medicine

Research

Advert

Research Assistant/Research Associate (Statistics)
Centre for Trials Research (CTR)
College of Biomedical & Life Sciences

The Centre for Trials Research at Cardiff University is a large, multinational community of researchers, professional services staff and students from a diverse range of backgrounds. 

We tackle the big diseases and health concerns of our time by forming partnerships with researchers and building lasting relationships with the public. Find out more about the Centre and working with us here .
The CTR is staffed by a wide range of methodological experts, including statisticians, data analysts, database programmers, trial managers, data managers and health professionals. We work with clinicians and research groups to develop and complete trials from initial idea through to publication in high-quality journals and further dissemination. As part of our continued growth, a new and exciting opportunity has arisen in the statistics team of the CTR. You will lead the design, management and analysis of a range of trials. As a statistician in the CTR, you will also have the opportunity to present your research at internal research meetings as well as national and international conferences.

To be appointed at Grade 5 (Research Assistant) we are looking for someone educated to degree or masters level in a mathematical science (or with equivalent relevant work experience in statistical analysis). We would particularly welcome applications from those with an MSc in medical statistics.

To be appointed at Grade 6 (Research Associate) we are looking for someone educated to PhD level in a mathematical science or with substantial applied statistical methods (or with equivalent relevant work experience in statistical analysis) and who can be responsible for overseeing the statistical/scientific aspects of a range of trials in the portfolio of the CTR.

With a culture of continuous professional and career development the Centre has an excellent track record of helping people develop in their areas of interest, with many progressing within the Centre itself, the wider University or further afield.

For informal discussions you are welcome to contact the recruiter Rebecca Cannings-John (Principal Research Fellow) on [email protected] or 02920687248.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week), open-ended, based at Heath Park and is available from 1st April 2024.

The majority of roles at Cardiff University are currently operating under “blended working” arrangements, with staff having the flexibility to work partly from home and partly from the University campus depending on specific business requirements. Discussions around these arrangements can take place after the successful candidate has been appointed.

Salary:
£32,332 - £34,980 per annum (Grade 5) or
£39,347 - £44,263 per annum (Grade 6)

Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.

Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave (incl. bank holidays), local pension scheme, a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments within the pay scale, and more. It's an exciting and vibrant place to work with many different challenges and is a proud Living Wage supporter. Business needs will require some degree of office-based working but the balance of time can be spent in the office or remotely (subject to agreement with the line manager).

Date advert posted: Friday, 9 February 2024

Closing date: Friday, 8 March 2024

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close these vacancies early should sufficient applications be received.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds.  We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age.  In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

Job Description

Research Assistant
Main function

To contribute to research within statistics, carrying out supporting work that helps lead to the publishing of research in high-quality journals. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Research

•    To undertake research with a focus on the planning and implementation of statistics

•    Actively participate within the research group, communicating and presenting research at meetings, through publications and other recognised avenues as appropriate, ensuring information is communicated to internal and external partners

•    To contribute to research publications and presentations as required

•    To analyse and communicate complex ideas, concepts and data using appropriate methods and packages 

•    To resolve issues and support senior colleagues in devising procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting

•    To generate research output and contribute to the development of  independent  and original ideas as appropriate

•    To provide support in research activities for undergraduate courses and research programmes and provide guidance to junior members of staff within the research team

•    To maintain and update area of specialist knowledge, researching and critically appraising relevant literature within the area.
•    Ensure that work is undertaken and documented in a regulatory compliant way and be prepared for regular audits and inspections, as well as contributing to the development of the quality management system for the area of statistics.

Other
•    To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
•    To participate in administration and activities to promote the Centre and its work to the wider University and the outside world

• To ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties
• To abide by the University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity

•    Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Research Associate

Main function

To conduct research within statistics and contribute to the overall research performance of the Centre and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of work in high-quality journals. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same. 

**Continued in additional information**

Person Specification

Person Specification (Research Assistant)

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

1.    A degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

2.    Knowledge of research methods and techniques in statistics

3.    Proven ability to analyse complex information and summaries appropriately

4.    Specialist knowledge of appropriate trial governance, systems and processes in relation to statistics

5.    Experience of working with a range of non-statisticians

Communication and Team Working

6.    Proven communication skills, including presentation to various audiences

7.    Excellent organisational and team-working skills

Other

8.    Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and teamworking within work

Person Specification (Research Associate)

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

1.    Postgraduate degree at PhD level in a related subject area or relevant experience

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

2.    An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant experience within statistics

3.    Specialist knowledge of appropriate governance, systems and processes in relation to statistics in trials

4.    Proven ability to publish in national journals

5.    Proven ability to be successful in competitive research funding

Communication and Team Working

6.    Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication

7.    Ability to supervise the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals

Other

8.    Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work

Desirable Criteria

1.    Ability to supervise research students

2.    Evidence of collaborations with industry, NHS or social care

3.     Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community. 

4.    Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the Centre. 

5.    A commitment to high quality patient and public involvement

6.    Fluency in Welsh, written and oral

Additional Information

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Research
•    To conduct research within statistics and contribute to the overall research performance of the centre and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
•    To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
•    To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
•    Ensure the delivery of the studies, adapting according to changes in workload and study requirements
•    To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
•    To participate in centre research activities.
•    To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions,   explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects
•    Ensure that work is undertaken and documented in a regulatory compliant way and be prepared for regular audits and inspections, as well as contributing to the development of the quality management system for the area of statistics.

Other
•    To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally  to raise awareness of the Centre’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the Centre and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
•    To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
•    To participate in administration and activities to promote the Centre and its work to the wider University and the outside world
•    Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria

It is the School of Medicine's policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short-listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as, where relevant, the desirable. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement.

Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance for this post, 17911BR.

If candidates do not provide written evidence of meeting all of the essential criteria then their application will not be progressed. The School of Medicine welcome the submission of CVs to accompany evidence of the job-based criteria.

Job Category

Academic - Research, Health, Medical & Dental