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The Design, Trials and Statistics section in the Division of Population Health based in the School of Medicine and Population Health is seeking to recruit a Research Fellow/ Statistician who has a passion for statistics and applied research. The post will be based within the Clinical Trials Research Unit (CTRU).

The post would suit someone with specific experience in complex designs, including adaptive trials, stepped wedge trials and cluster trials.

You will have good knowledge of applied statistics and statistical theory, especially for pragmatic trials and complex randomisation systems. You will exhibit a “can do” attitude to new activities knowing your strengths and skills whilst being flexible and able to adapt to change.

You will be able to communicate effectively with non-statisticians (particularly clinicians and allied health professionals). You will provide timely and high-quality statistical input and leadership to research projects, including input to the design, analysis, and reporting of studies.

With exceptional interpersonal skills you will relate well to others in the team establishing good working relationships, and provide training to statistical colleagues.

Main duties and responsibilities

Research:

• Contribute to or lead on the statistical aspects of the development of high quality research bids to evaluate the effectiveness of new health technologies, which is recognised both nationally and internationally.
• Plan, undertake and/or oversee the statistical analysis of research projects (primarily randomised controlled trials), and contribute to their reporting and dissemination.
• Lead on the statistical aspects of the development, updates and validation of the randomisation system used by the Clinical Trials Research Unit, and provide training to colleagues and collaborators.
• Provide high-quality statistical advice and support to multidisciplinary research projects within the School of Health and Related Research.
• Contribute to methodological research in the area of medical statistics and in areas relevant to the design, conduct, analysis and reporting of studies to evaluate the effectiveness of new health technologies, which is recognised both nationally and internationally.
•  Attend and participate in relevant department meetings.
• Attend external scientific meetings and national conferences to present research findings.
• Continually update knowledge and understanding of medical statistics, and update skills in line with advances in the relevant subject area.

Teaching:

• Coordinate R training for statisticians in the group.
• Plan and deliver training to other members of the trial unit on the use of set-up of the in-house randomisation system.
• Teach statistics in tutorials to undergraduate and postgraduate students in the school
• Contribute to the delivery post-graduate teaching where needed.
• Supervise Master’s dissertation research projects.
• Contribute to other areas of postgraduate teaching as appropriate.
• Act as personal tutor to individual students during their studies.

Other duties:

• Provide statistical leadership and mentoring to colleagues within DTS.
• Lead on the development, review and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for statistical aspects of the CTRU.
• Develop and maintain appropriate academic, professional and industry contacts, including serving on Trial Steering Committees and Data Monitoring and Ethics Committees.
• Keep abreast of professional developments.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit 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 is 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.

Essential criteria

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.