The Role
We are seeking a talented research associate with a strong background in quantitative analysis, evidence synthesis and ageing research to contribute to the programme of work of Newcastle University’s Centre for Ageing.
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated researcher in epidemiology/ data science/ public health with a strong background in quantitative methods/ statistical analysis and experience of ageing research.
This post will provide opportunities to develop your career working across a range of different projects, often with a global focus and with different stakeholders, including the World Health Organization, the Cochrane Global Ageing Thematic Group and the 10/66 Dementia Research Group or the UK Department of Health and Social Care. The successful candidate will also be supported in developing their own funding bids to obtain an independent fellowship in the field of ageing research, lifecourse epidemiology or climate epidemiology
This is an opportunity for an experienced researcher to apply and grow their quantitative skills applied to public health and health inequalities. We are particularly keen to recruit someone who can lead and support quantitative analyses, peer-reviewed publications, and other forms of dissemination, including presenting to policy makers, and practitioners. Therefore, the ability to apply the right data and quantitative methods will be essential. Contributing to public & patient involvement and engagement (PPIE), and student supervision will be encouraged.
Experience and competence in using R or Stata is essential, along with excellent written and verbal communication skills and a PhD. The ability to handle, and analyse large, complex routine healthcare data, applying appropriate statistical methods will be advantageous. The role will involve activities, such as: data approval and acquisition, data preparation, programming, statistical/epidemiological analysis, and dissemination.
You will have experience of research (Research Associate), in the field of public health, epidemiology, statistics or global health and have experience publishing high-quality peer-reviewed articles.
You will work closely with the line manager (Professor Matthew Prina), other team members, and contribute to the management of the wider programme of work and support the planning and coordination of activities within the group, including supporting grant writing.
As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of. 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.
This role is fixed term for 24 months.
Key Accountabilities
Data Analysis
1. Clean and prepare datasets, involving programming, for quantitative analyses
2. Perform epidemiological, and statistical/ quantitative analyses, including longitudinal analyses (e.g. Cox and other regression models)
3. Support and/or lead systematic reviews
Documentation
4. Draft accessible summaries for different audiences, including the public and practice partners and policy-makers, preparing reports for funders
5. Prepare papers for peer-reviewed publications, present findings at group meetings and conferences
6. Prepare applications for data acquisition, and secure ethical and governance approvals
Communication
7. Collaborate with all members of the research team to deliver on the research
8. Liaise with researchers in the team and external collaborators to gain input and keep them updated on projects.
Research
9. Support grant applications within the group
10. Carry out research within agreed timelines, meeting project milestones and to an appropriate standard
11. Contribute and some circumstances lead the development of new projects and research proposals
12. Prepare research and dissemination activities with collaborators and stakeholders
13. To develop an independent funding application for further career development.
Ad hoc
14. Support supervision of Master’s and undergraduate student dissertations
15. Wider contribution to the Institute and take on tasks as requested by the Dean
16. Contribute to the wider activities related to this programme of work on ageing
17. Develop an awareness of University structure, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment.
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
18. Experience of managing/ curating research datasets and statistical programming
19. Experience of undertaking statistical/ quantitative analyses, including, longitudinal analyses using routine healthcare or similar large/ complex data sources
20. Evidence of skills and experience in using relevant software for data management, programming and analyses (i.e. Stata, R for quantitative methods)
21. Ability to adhere to strict observation of data governance issues and data protection legislations
22. Evidence of writing for peer-reviewed publications in the field of ageing
23. Evidence of presenting research findings at conferences and meetings
24. Track record of conducting systematic reviews from protocol development to publication
Knowledge, Skills and Experience (Desirable)
25. Experience contributing to research grant proposals
26. Experience working with routine healthcare data (e.g. CPRD, hospital data)
27. Proven interest in global health topics and projects
28. Experience of managing less experienced staff
Attributes and Behaviors (Essential)
29. Ability to carry out research with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail within agreed timelines, meeting project milestones and producing high-quality research
30. Ability to work independently and as a member of a team, commanding the respect of collaborators from a range of disciplines and specialities (e.g. health, social care, voluntary sector)
31. Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills
32. Willingness to build internal and external contacts and participate in networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for productive collaboration
33. Commitment to personal development
Qualifications
34. PhD related in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, or data science, ideally with a focus on ageing or life course epidemiology
35. A masters in statistics, data science, public health or a closely related highly quantitative subject or equivalent professional qualification
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: 28992
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