Research Assistant

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is one of the world’s leading public health universities. Our mission is to improve health and health equity in the UK and worldwide; working in partnership to achieve excellence in public and global health research, education and translation of knowledge into policy and practice.

We are seeking a data scientist with experience in natural language processing (NLP) methods to work on a research project exploring the use of NLP in causal studies using primary care electronic health record data. Typically, entries in structured electronic health record data are in the form of codes from standardized coding systems, such as SNOMED-CT. These codes need to be converted to features in some way prior to being used in analysis. One way of doing this is to use deterministic algorithms based on time-frame and frequency of code occurrence to generate a large number of binary features. This project will compare that type of approach with NLP-based feature-creation. Methods will be applied to real case studies. One possible case study investigates the relationship between inhaled corticosteroids and a range of COVID-19 outcomes in data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink.

The post-holder must have a relevant first degree in data science along with relevant experience in machine learning, particularly natural language processing methods. Relevant analytical skills in data wrangling and programming skills and good coding skills are also essential. Further particulars are included in the job description.

The post is full-time 35 hours per week, 1.0 FTE and fixed-term for 18 months. The post is funded by Wellcome Trust and available immediately.

The salary will be on the LSHTM salary scale, Grade 5 in the range £39,984-£45,728 per annum (inclusive of London Weighting). The post will be subject to the LSHTM terms and conditions of service.  Annual leave entitlement is 30 working days per year, pro-rata for part-1 time staff. In addition to this there are discretionary “Wellbeing Days”. Membership of the Pension Scheme is available. The post is based in London at LSHTM.

Applications should be made by clicking the 'Apply' button above. Online applications will be accepted by the automated system until 10pm of the closing date. Any queries regarding the application process may be addressed to jobs@lshtm.ac.uk. Please quote reference EPH-MS-2025-12.

The supporting statement section should set out how your qualifications, experience and training meet each of the selection criteria. Please provide one or more paragraphs addressing each criterion. The supporting statement is an essential part of the selection process and thus a failure to provide this information will mean that the application will not be considered. An answer to any of the criteria such as "Please see attached CV" will not be considered acceptable. 

Please note that if you are shortlisted and are unable to attend on the interview date it may not be possible to offer you an alternative date.

Advert information