Research Associate in the Department of Psychological Medicine

We are looking to appoint a Post-doctoral Research Associate to work on a project exploring military veterans’ physical and mental health needs using the  Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) . This is an exciting chance to join the first ever study that will use CPRD to identify veterans and be able to understand how primary care needs may differ between veterans and non-veterans who access primary care. The post holder will lead on data analyses and write up of findings for scientific publications and a funder report. This role is well suited to a person who is not daunted by large-scale complex dataset and to those keen to expand their analytical skills and publication record.

Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD):

Veterans can face complex co-occurring physical and mental health problems, yet little is known about veterans' health outcomes or use of primary care.  CPRD collects anonymised patient data from a network of GP practices across the UK and is linked to a range of other datasets. As such, CPRD is a longitudinal representative UK population health dataset.

The current study was set up to explore whether we can identify veterans in CPRD and subsequently explore the socio-demographic, mental and physical health profiles of veterans accessing primary care and compare these to the general primary care population. Initial explorations identified over 100,000 veterans. We are now looking for an ambitious, data driven Post-Doctoral Research Associate who is eager to take the lead on the next stages of data analysis and produce high quality scientific outputs and a funder report. In addition, we will work with the post-holder to secure the next tranche of funding.

This role would particularly suit a candidate who has an interest in multimorbidity, data linkage, data management and veterans' health. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop their skills in project management, data management, complex statistical techniques, disseminating findings and governance applications. They will have a proactive and flexible approach to work with the willingness to undertake occasional travel to conferences/meetings with stakeholders. The post holder will also be required to present research at and attend internal/external meetings, seminars and conferences.

This post will be offered on an a fixed-term contract for 12 months.

This is full time post. However we may consider 80% FTE.

• Project planning, CPRD applications and approvals   
• Data cleaning, and management of large databases 
• Devise, implement and manage careful and extensive data checking procedures 
• Conduct complex statistical analyses  
• Write high-quality reports (lay and academic) and peer-reviewed scientific publications     
• Present research at and attend internal/external meetings, seminars and conferences  
• Support with communications, internal/external engagement and dissemination  
• To ensure data confidentiality, work within the requirements of the Health Research Authority (HRA), the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018 and other regulatory bodies.   

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  

1.       A PhD in epidemiology, statistics, or other relevant degree with a substantial analytical and methodological component  

2.       Excellent working knowledge of and experience of a range of statistical and epidemiological techniques using Stata, R, or equivalent 

3.       Experience of assembly and management of large complex databases and design, maintenance and interrogation of relational databases 

4.       Hands on experience working with complex, longitudinal administrative data and/or electronic health record data 

5.       Well articulated interest in veterans research, epidemiology, public health mental and physical health  

6.       Good organizational skills and the ability to work to project milestones/deadlines 

7.       Excellent written communication skills (e.g., experience in writing for publication in peer reviewed journals) with high standards of accuracy 

8.       Excellent verbal communication, and presentation skills 

Desirable criteria

1.       Knowledge of, or experience in, working with the Armed Forces community 

2.       Experience of extracting data from medical or employment records  

3.       Experience of applying for and obtaining data from NHS England, CPRD or an equivalent body/organization 

4.       Experience of writing successful grant applications 

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

At King’s, we are deeply committed to embedding good equality and diversity practice into all of our activities so that the university is an inclusive, welcoming and inspiring place to work and study, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation. We encourage and welcome applications from across the global community and all appointments are made solely on merit. 

This post is subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service Clearance.