The Role
We are seeking to recruit a Senior Research Associate, with high-level quantitative data analysis skills and experience of working with large-scale, complex, NHS datasets to support a major new cancer epidemiology project. The post-holder will plan and lead delivery of the project, taking responsibility for determining, and applying, the most appropriate statistical and epidemiological approaches. They will also lead on stakeholder liaison, public and patient involvement and dissemination.
We welcome applications from those with post-graduate training and significant work experience in epidemiology, statistics, public health or another applied health-related discipline/topic with a strong quantitative component. Experience of using NHS datasets for research, working in multi-disciplinary teams, and excellent communication and inter-personal skills are essential.
This post is full time available from 1st October 2026 for a period of 36 months.
Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Professor Linda Sharp () or Dr Laura Woods () for an informal discussion.
Full details of the post are available at
Key Accountabilities
Plan and lead the delivery of the project, setting and monitoring targets, and ensuring successful delivery on time and within budgetDrive the selection and application of appropriate analytical methodsUndertake epidemiological and statistical analysesLead applications for data access and ensure necessary approvals, and appropriate goverance, are in placeUndertake rapid reviews of relevant literature to inform the project and ensure it remains up-to-date and grounded in comtemporary cancer careLead regular project meetingsDevelop and implement a dissemination plan for the project, with a focus on maximising impactDevelop effective working relationships with other project staff and collaborators, both clinical and academicTake responsibility for reporting activities as required by the project funderIdentify and undertake a programme of professional development, including further training in research methods or other transferable skillsInitiate funding applicationsProvide supervision of, and support development of, other quantitative researchers within the REACH groupSupervise undergraduate and post-graduate projects & dissertationsParticipate in activities of the REACH group and Population Health Sciences Research InstituteUndertake other reasonable duties as requiredThe Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
At least 5-years post-doctoral experience of statistical or epidemiological analysis of complex, large-scale, quantitative health-related dataExperience of using NHS data (e.g. cancer registrations, HES, CPRD, prescription data) for researchExperience of applying a range of statistical/epidemiological approaches across a variety of different study designsExperience of assessing medication/treatment utilisation and/or adherence using health service dataExperience of assessing medication/treatment utilisation and/or adherence using health service dataVery well-developed skills in Stata and/or RExperience of undertaking PPIE Knowledge of cancer and its treatmentHigh level of understanding, and experience, of working with multidisciplinary collaborators and a range of stakeholdersExperience in applying for, and securing, external research fundingStrong track record of disseminating research findings, including publishing in peer-reviewed journalsKnowledge, Skills and Experience - Desirable
Experience of working within multi-disciplinary or multi-centre teams, particularly in cancerKnowledge or experience of survival analysis and/or causal methodsExperience of supporting development of quantitative skills among researchers or studentsExperience of supervising undergraduate and post-graduate research projects
Attributes and Behavior
Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills Ability to work flexibly and cooperatively with others to successfully deliver research projectsEffective time management and prioritisation skills to balance the potentially conflicting demands of project work and other responsibilities Ability to solve problemsAbility to maintain confidentiality and protect research data according to protocols and principles of good research practiceUnderstanding of and commitment to good practice in equality, inclusion and diversityQualifications
A PhD in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, or an applied health-related field with a strong quantitative component 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 Gold award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a 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.
Requisition ID: 29486
