Job Description
Job Title:  Professor in Medical Statistics and Academic Lead for Clinical Trials in Oncology
Posting Start Date:  21/04/2026
Job Id:  2542
School/Department:  School of Medicine & Population Health
Work Arrangement:  Full Time (Hybrid)
Contract Type:  Permanent
Salary per annum (£):  71,566
Closing Date:  02/06/2026

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

 

Overview

A non-clinical position has arisen for a clinical trial statistician to be the academic lead and provide senior oversight and leadership to the Sheffield Clinical Trials Research Unit (CTRU) oncology clinical trials portfolio.

Sheffield CTRU has received substantial infrastructure funding to grow and diversify its portfolio of multi-centre cancer clinical trials. The post holder will be responsible for the leadership of trial design, grant development, and submission, as well as senior-level study implementation, with a specific focus on oncology-based CTIMPs (Clinical Trials of Investigational Medicinal Products). You will work closely with the CTRU Director, CTRU staff and Chief Investigators to secure research funding and ensure that studies under your supervision are implemented in accordance with randomised controlled trial scientific principles, the study protocols, and regulatory standards.

You will provide academic and methodological leadership to all specialist oncology studies within the CTRU’s portfolio, ensuring that these studies are designed, conducted, analysed and reported to the highest possible standards and are compliant with professional, national, and international regulatory frameworks.

Experience of the design, management, conduct/implementation, analysis and reporting of multi-centre randomised controlled trials is essential. We are seeking a candidate with a proven track record of working within the oncology research field, possessing a deep understanding of the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations as they apply to complex cancer research.

Main duties and responsibilities

You will be responsible for:

  • Providing senior oversight and leadership to the CTRU oncology clinical trials portfolio, particularly the Yorkshire Cancer Research (YCR) Infrastructure grant ensuring that the project meets its key milestones and deliverables.

 

  • Provide statistical input for the design, conduct, implementation, analysis and reporting of oncology trials across the CTRU portfolio.
  • Drive methodological research to advance efficient and patient-centred trial designs.
  • Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team including clinicians, statisticians, trial managers and other research professionals.

 

  • Develop a specialist portfolio of oncology research and act as CTRU Lead in collaboration with clinical investigators through designing studies, submitting research applications, and securing significant external research income/grant funding.

  • Ensure the cancer research studies for which you are the CTRU lead are undertaken in accordance with randomised controlled trial scientific principles and the protocol.

  • Oversee Quality Assurance processes within the CTRU.

  • Ensure that all relevant regulatory standards for clinical trials are adhered to.

  • Support preparation for and response to MHRA inspections.

  • Lead on the preparation and publication of papers for high-impact oncology and academic journals, that are internationally excellent or world leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour.

  • Lead on the presentation of findings at international cancer conferences and academic forums.

  • Use your methodological expertise to undertake research and translational activities that result in demonstrable impact.

 

  • Undertake undergraduate and post-graduate teaching, supervision and examining, within the School of Medicine and Population Health.

  • Contribute fully as a researcher, teacher and leader, fulfilling the appropriate requirements of the University’s Academic Career Pathway Framework (ACP).
  • Make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
  • Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post.

 

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

 

 

 

 

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

Academic Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification in Medical Statistics or a closely related discipline.

Essential

Application/interview

Extensive experience in design and analysis of clinical trials within oncology, with a deep understanding of cancer-specific trial complexities.

Essential

 

Application/interview

 

Expertise in complex and innovative trial designs commonly used in oncology (e.g., adaptive designs, master protocols, umbrella/basket trials, dose-finding Phase I/II designs, and biomarker-driven trials).

Essential

Application/interview

 

High and distinctive standing within and outside academia including: major contributions to the area/field through academic or professional achievement; recognised expertise.

Essential

 

Application/interview

Sound understanding of the scientific principles of RCTs, including experience with innovative/adaptive trial designs (e.g., basket or platform trials) relevant to precision medicine.

Essential

Application/interview

Proven, substantial experience acting as lead statistician on multi-centre oncology clinical trials.

Essential

Application/interview

Experience working on CTIMPs and thorough knowledge of The Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004 and ICH Good Clinical Practice (GCP).

Essential

Application/interview

Grant Development & Income: Extensive experience collaborating with senior clinical investigators to design, develop, and successfully secure major research grants (e.g., NIHR, CRUK, MRC or major charities).

Essential

Application/interview

Academic Output: A strong track record of high-quality, peer-reviewed clinical trial research papers published in high-impact journals.

Essential

Application/interview

Leadership & Mentorship: Experience in supervising junior staff and mentoring early-career researchers or clinical fellows (e.g., NHS Consultants/AHPs) in trial development.

Essential

Application/interview

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent skills in maintaining relationships with Chief Investigators, trial funders, and Cancer Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) panels.

Essential

Application/interview

Strategic Problem Solving: Ability to develop creative approaches to complex trial problems (e.g., recruitment barriers in oncology) with an appreciation for long-term sustainability and strategic aims.

Essential

Application/interview

 

Further Information

 

Grade

Professor up to Band 1.4

Salary

£71,466 to £75,915

Work arrangement

Full-time / Part-time (a minimum of 0.6FTE)

Duration

Permanent

Line manager

CTRU Director

Direct reports

  • Trial Manager
  • Study Managers
  • Study Delivery Staff

Our website

https://sheffield.ac.uk/ctru

For informal enquiries about this job contact Prof Matt Hammond, Director of the Sheffield Clinical Trials Research Unit: on matthew.hammond@sheffield.ac.uk

 

 

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in June. This will consist of a 15 minute presentation and subsequent interview. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact dph-section-operations@sheffield.ac.uk.

 

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

  • A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
  • Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
  • Generous pension scheme.
  • A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
  • A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
  • Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
  • A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways
  • A range of generous family-friendly policies
    • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
    • support for those going through the menopause
    • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
    • and more


More details can be found on our benefits page:
sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

 

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

 

 

Closing Date : 02/06/2026 

 

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.