Research Fellow / Senior Research Fellow (Statistics)

17903BR

School of Medicine

Research

Advert

Research Fellow / Senior Research Fellow (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 7 (Research Fellow) 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).  They would also have substantial experience working in trials and a successful track record of publication and obtaining research funding.

To be appointed at grade 8 (Senior Research Fellow) 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). They would also have substantial experience working in trials, leading research teams with responsibility for thematic areas, as well as expertise in statistical/scientific aspects of a wide range of trial designs and a successful track record of publication and obtaining research funding.

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 Playle (Interim Director of Statistics) on [email protected] or 02920744821.

These two posts are full-time (35 hours per week), open-ended, based at Heath Park and are 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:
£49,794 - £54,395 per annum (Grade 7) or
£59,421 - £64,914 per annum (Grade 8)

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 Fellow (Grade 7)
Main function

To lead or work within research projects, to contribute to the research record of the School through commitment to carrying out research leading to the publishing of work in high-quality journals. To pursue excellence in research and to lead others to do the same. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Research
•    To independently develop research objectives within statistics, projects or proposals for own or joint research including research funding. To develop research networks through regular national/international conference/seminar presentations
•    Manage and lead the trial team in statistics, ensuring section objectives are communicated and engaged with, planning, organising and delegating work, monitoring progress and intervening as required
•    To generate and pursue independent and original research ideas in the field of applied health & social care and support the initiation of new lines of research in related areas
•    To disseminate research findings using appropriate and effective national and international publications, research seminars, meetings and conferences
•    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
•    To supervise and develop other research staff within own research projects
•    To provide guidance to students in own specialist area, including supervising and assessing undergraduate projects
•    To participate in Centre research activities.
•    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 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.

Senior Research Fellow (Grade 8)
Main function

Lead research projects, contributing to the research record of the Centre through commitment to 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

Research Fellow (Grade 7)

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.    Growing national reputation within academic field

4.    Proven substantial record of publications in high-impact national journals.

5.    Proven ability attain competitive research funding along with a strong portfolio of research grants

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

Communication and Team Working

7.    Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication

8.    Proven ability to lead and develop a research team

9.    Experience of dealing with performance and welfare issues

Other

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

Desirable Criteria

1.    Proven ability to attract research students 

2.    Evidence of collaborations with industry.

3.    Proven ability to work without close supervision

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

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

6.    A commitment to high quality patient and public involvement

Senior Research Fellow (Grade 8)

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

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

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

2.    A well-established expertise and significant proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following research fields: trials, statistics

3.    Established national and growing international reputation within academic field

4.    Proven substantial record of publications in high-impact national and international journals.

5.    Proven record of contributing and leading successful research bids

Communication and Team Working

6.    Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication

7.    Proven ability to lead and develop a research team

8.    Proven ability to attract research students

9.    Proven record of academic leadership

Other

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

Desirable Criteria

1.    Relevant professional qualification(s)/registration (e.g. Chartered Statistician) 

2.    Evidence of collaborations with industry and experience of cancer trials.

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 teaching and research activities of the Centre. 

5.    Proven record of taking responsibility for academically related administration.

6.    A commitment to high quality patient and public involvement

Additional Information

****continued from Job Description****

Senior Research Fellow (Grade 8) 

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

Research
•    To conduct research, statistics and clinical trials and contribute to the overall internationally recognised research performance of the Centre and College
•    To generate and pursue independent and original research ideas in the field of health research and support the initiation of new lines of research in related areas
•    Contribute to and lead successful research bids
•     To disseminate research findings through publishing in leading international academic journals and high-impact conferences,
•    Recruit, supervise and lead research teams and postgraduate research students, being responsible for their professional and academic development
•    To give invited addresses to professional meetings and conferences at national and international level, building networks to develop research outputs and standing within the area of specialism
•    To participate in Centre research activities.
•    To contribute fully to the management of postgraduate research.
•    Ensure that work is undertaken and documented in a regulatory compliant way and be prepared for regular audits and inspections, as well as leading on the development of the Quality management system for the area of statistics

Leadership
•    To provide academic leadership by co-ordinating the work of others to ensure areas of research are organised and delivered effectively.
•    To be involved in the Centre level strategic planning and contribute to wider strategic planning processes in the University.

Other
•    To contribute to and/or lead bids for consultancy and additional funds
•    To undertake and lead operational administrative responsibilities  as requested by Head of Centre and senior management team
•    To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally and internationally 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, national, and international profile.
•    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, 17903BR.

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