Associate Professor in Public Health

University of Nottingham Ningbo China

School of Economics

University of Nottingham Ningbo China is seeking to recruit an Associate Professor in Public Health in School of Economics

We seek an accomplished public health researcher to serve in a distinctive dual role as a research-focused faculty member and a methodological leader within our Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) laboratory. This individual will drive the development of novel statistical methodologies for evidence synthesis and translation while providing scientific oversight and management for core methodological functions.

A central and strategic component of this leadership role is to serve as the primary biostatistical and methodological authority for the UNNC GRADE Centre. The successful candidate will ensure the statistical rigour, innovation, and integrity of all evidence assessments conducted by the centre, directly impacting the development of trusted clinical guidelines and health policies.

As this is a senior leadership position, candidates are expected to demonstrate significant relevant leadership experience. As the role also requires regular communication with key stakeholders in China, fluency in both English and Chinese is essential.

The UNNC GRADE Centre, which is part of the Cochrane China Network, is a dedicated unit focused on the rigorous evaluation of scientific evidence to inform clinical practice and policy. It specialises in applying the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) framework to assess the certainty of evidence and strength of recommendations in healthcare. The Centre works closely with national and international bodies to produce transparent, systematic, and trustworthy guidelines.

The successful candidate will be offered a contract until 31 July 2030. The remuneration package for the successful candidate will include a competitive salary package, as well as accommodation allowance, health insurance, schooling support, home flight, relocation & repatriation support, and paid annual leave.

Key Responsibilities

Methodological Leadership & GRADE Centre Oversight

• Serve as the chief biostatistical and methodological authority for the UNNC GRADE Centre.
• Lead and supervise evidence assessments, ensuring statistical rigour, innovation, and integrity across all GRADE-based evaluations.
• Provide expert guidance on complex evidence synthesis, meta-analysis, network meta-analysis, and the application of the GRADE framework to guideline development groups.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders (including Cochrane entities and policy bodies) to advance the quality and usability of evidence-informed recommendations.

Research & Innovation

• Develop and apply novel statistical methodologies for evidence synthesis, evidence translation, and certainty-of-evidence rating.
• Lead a programme of independent and collaborative research that addresses methodological challenges in public health and clinical guideline development.
• Publish high-impact research in leading epidemiology, biostatistics, and evidence-based medicine journals.

Faculty & Laboratory Duties

• Contribute to the academic and research culture of the Evidence Based Medicine Lab, including mentoring junior researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and PhD students.
• Seek and secure external research funding from national and international sources.
• Engage in appropriate teaching and supervision of graduate-level courses in evidence synthesis, biostatistics, or research methods (as aligned with faculty expectations).

About You

• Doctoral degree (PhD, DrPH, or equivalent) in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Public Health, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in evidence synthesis methods, including meta-analysis, network meta-analysis, and handling of complex or real-world data.
• In-depth knowledge and practical experience with the GRADE framework for assessing certainty of evidence and strength of recommendations.
• Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications in statistical methodology, evidence synthesis, or clinical epidemiology.
• Experience providing methodological leadership or consultation for guideline development, health technology assessment, or policy-oriented evidence reviews.
• Strong collaborative and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across disciplinary and cultural boundaries.
• Experience working within a Cochrane centre, GRADE working group, or similar evidence synthesis organisation.
• Record of successful research grant applications as principal investigator or co-investigator.
• Prior experience in a dual academic/leadership role within a research centre.

About Us

Join a unique British University in China. The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) was the first Sino-foreign university to open its doors in China. This award winning campus offering a UK style education has grown to establish a student body of over 10,000 in 22 years.

The University of Nottingham Ningbo, China, a pioneer in Sino-foreign tertiary education, is rapidly expanding. It is looking for ambitious, talented academics with a passion for teaching as well as research flair to join its team of science and engineering experts. UNNC is part of the University of Nottingham’s Global University and offers unique teaching and research opportunities in a highly dynamic economy.

Important Notice

The University is currently undertaking maintenance and updates to its recruitment system in line with cyber security measures. As a result, the online application submission function is temporarily unavailable to external applicants. Vacancy details remain available for viewing, and the University continues to welcome applications for all advertised positions.

How to Apply

Applicants wishing to apply for a vacancy are invited to submit the following documents by email to:

job@nottingham.edu.cn (via the ‘Apply’ button above) before 23:59 Beijing Time, 10 July 2026

• Vacancy reference number and position title.
• Application form.
• A cover letter clearly addressing the dual research and methodological leadership requirements.
• A full curriculum vitae including a list of publications and research grants.
• A research statement (max 3 pages) outlining past methodological contributions and future plans for advancing evidence synthesis and GRADE methodology.
• Names and contact details of three academic referees.

Equality and Diversity

University of Nottingham Ningbo China is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff. It is our intention to ensure that job applicants and staff are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, race, color, nationality, ethnic or national origin, age*, socio-economic background, disability, religious or political beliefs, trade union membership, family circumstances, sexual orientation or other irrelevant distinction.