Research Associate (Part Time, Fixed Term)

The MRC Biostatistics Unit is one of Europe's leading biostatistics research institutions. Our focus is to deliver new analytical and computational strategies based on sound statistical principles for the challenging tasks facing biomedicine and public health.

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join the MRC Biostatistics Unit (BSU) on a part-time basis (20% FTE / 1 day per week). This is a unique opportunity to work at the interface of methodological development and pharmaceutical application, operating in close collaboration with the methodology team at Novartis.

The successful candidate will conduct high-quality research into the design and analysis of adaptive clinical trials. The primary focus of the role is to develop and evaluate robust statistical inference frameworks for Response-Adaptive Randomisation (RAR) and Multiple Comparison Procedures - Modelling (MCP-Mod), with a specific emphasis on Randomisation-Based Inference.

You will work under the supervision of Dr Sofia S. Villar, developing theoretical frameworks and executing comprehensive simulation studies to validate these designs for use in drug development. You will also maintain regular contact with collaborators at Novartis, ensuring the research remains relevant to current industry challenges.

You should have (or be close to completing) a PhD in Statistics, Biostatistics, or a closely related discipline. You must have a strong grasp of clinical trial design and provenance in R programming for simulation studies. Experience with adaptive designs or previous industry interaction is highly desirable.

We believe that talented and inclusive teams deliver the highest quality research.  The Unit is actively seeking to increase diversity among its staff, creating opportunities for people traditionally under-represented in the biostatistics research community, including promoting an equitable representation of men and women. The Unit therefore especially encourages applications from women, from minority ethnic groups and from those with non-standard career paths. The Unit strives to maintain an environment where people can be their authentic selves.  Appointment will be made on merit.

The Biostatistics Unit is committed to supporting hybrid working for all staff, but we do expect that staff will work from the office on a regular basis to help integration and to build our fantastic scientific community. Working entirely from the office is possible.

We welcome applications from those wishing to work part-time.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above.

Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Please quote reference SL48535 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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