The Role
You will conduct statistical analyses of Parkinson datasets collected in TraPCAf (https://research.ncl.ac.uk/trapcaf/), a project funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research. This is collaboration between Parkinson disease experts based in UK and in Africa, the post is based in Newcastle. There will be opportunities to interact with colleagues at Newcastle university, including in the Biomedical Research Centre, the Centre for Cancer and the Clinical Trial Unit.
TraPCAf (Transforming Parkinson care in Africa) aims to investigate various aspects of Parkinson Disease in Africa, including the prevalence, the risk factors, the efficacy of easy-to-use diagnostic screening tools and the efficacy of a local plant in treating the disease. The postholder will contribute to some of these analyses using a range of statistical methods.
This post is full time, fixed term for a period of 11 months.
As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles. These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.
Key Accountabilities
* Although working under the general guidance of an academic or Principal Investigator, the postholder will contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of their studies, thus providing substantial 'added value'
* Develop and carry out the specified project using appropriate techniques and equipment as outlined in the personal requirements
* Determine appropriate methodologies for research, with advice and support where required
* Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and in time develop own research objectives and proposals for funding
* Begin to write, with appropriate support, proposals for individual research funding or, where funders do not permit this, contribute to the writing of collective bids
* Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations
* Contribute to the writing up of their research for publication and dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications
* Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline
* May be involved in the supervision, with guidance, of final year undergraduate research projects and in providing support to postgraduate research students or Research Assistants
* Will need to work with the support staff and, on occasions, with undergraduate and postgraduate students, and interact intellectually with other academic members of the Institute.
* May contribute to events celebrating the public engagement of science/social sciences/humanities
* Develop an awareness of University structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment
* Under the direction of a more senior colleague, provide statistical expertise and support to investigators in the project design and analysis
* Undertake analysis of research data and provide interpretation of results
* Undertake appropriate continuing professional development in order to develop and maintain competence in the best available statistical methods
The Person (Essential)
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
* Ability to work well as part of a team and rapidly acquire new skills
* Detailed knowledge of statistical methods
* Likelihood of advanced skills directly related to biostatistics
* High level of analytical and problem-solving capability
* Ability to communicate complex information with clarity and to encourage the commitment of others
* Experience of research with clear transferable skills and some experience or awareness of the research environment
* Presentations at conferences and/or high-quality publications
* Up-to-date knowledge of current statistical techniques
* Proficient in using at least one statistical analysis package (STATA, SPSS, SAS, R, Python, etc.)
* Ability to write on statistical matters for publication in peer reviewed journals
* Experience of conducting statistical analyses in a research setting (Desirable)
* Interest in developing a career in biostatistics, e.g. through applying for NIHR pre-doctoral or doctoral fellowships or undertaking a PhD if not possessed already (Desirable)
Attributes and Behaviour
* Ability to work flexibly and co-operatively with others, but also to work independently
* Experience with drafting statistical analysis plans (Desirable)
* Experience with preparing statistical reports for the project team (Desirable)
Qualifications
* A PhD degree in statistics (for appointment at Associate level)
* Honours/Postgraduate degree in a numerate subject with demonstrated interest and aptitudes in statistics (for appointment at Assistant level).
Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.
We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.
At Newcastle University we hold a silverAthena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.
In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.
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