At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a national review of MND incidence and prevalence estimates using complex health data.
- Company: Join the MND Association, dedicated to supporting those affected by Motor Neurone Disease.
- Benefits: Make a real impact while working with leading universities and advanced data environments.
- Other info: Collaborative role within a trusted research environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Use your epidemiological expertise to drive meaningful change in MND research.
- Qualifications: Advanced skills in epidemiology, biostatistics, and programming in R or Python required.
The MND Association is in search for an experienced Epidemiological consultant to support a national review of incidence and prevalence estimates for the association in the UK. In this high impact collaborative post, you will reconcile variation across key datasets, including the MND Register, Hospital Episode Statistics (HES)–derived datasets, and the MND Association’s internal database. You will work closely with the MND Register team at King’s College London and Oxford University, and be comfortable working with complex population health data in secure research environments. If you would like to support MND and bring your expert epidemiological and statistical insight to produce a validated, national prevalence estimate, this role could be for you.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct a detailed audit of multiple datasets to assess structure, completeness, and consistency
- Identify and address differences in case definitions, coding practices, and inclusion criteria
- Develop and document a harmonised analytical framework for comparing datasets
- Define and standardise MND case definitions, including consideration of subtypes and uncertain diagnoses
- Align cohorts across data sources to enable meaningful comparison
- Design and apply approaches to identify duplication and overlap within and between datasets
- Incorporate mortality and survival data to refine prevalence estimates
- Assess the feasibility and application of capture–recapture or similar completeness methods
- Produce sensitivity analyses and low, central, and high prevalence scenarios
- Clearly document assumptions, limitations, and interpretation of findings
- Deliver reproducible, well-documented analytical code within the KCL Trusted Research Environment
- Produce both technical reports and senior-level summary outputs for key stakeholders
All work will be undertaken within the King’s College London Trusted Research Environment (TRE), in line with governance and disclosure control requirements. The King's College London - Computational Research, Engineering and Technology Environment (CREATE) Trusted Research Environment (TRE) hosts the data within The TRE itself is ISO 27001 certified and undergoes annual external audits and third-party penetration testing, ensuring ongoing compliance with international information security standards. The following programmes are available within the TRE for analysis; R studio, IBM SPSS, Anaconda, Stata and pgADmin for SQL.
About You
- Advanced expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, or health data science
- Strong experience applying advanced statistical methods, such as capture–recapture or similar approaches
- Proven experience working within secure data environments (e.g. Trusted Research Environments, NHS Digital, ONS Secure Research Service)
- Strong analytical programming skills, with proficiency in R and/or Python
- Experience working with large, complex health or population-level datasets
- Ability to clearly document methodology and communicate findings to both technical and senior audiences
The full consultant brief is attached.
About Us
Motor Neurone Disease moves fast. It takes away time, it takes away independence and it has no cure. Every day we support people affected by MND. We fund ground-breaking research. We campaign for better care. We’re here for everyone who needs us. Because with MND, every day matters.
Epidemiological Consultant employer: MND Association
The MND Association is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and impactful work environment where your expertise in epidemiology can directly contribute to advancing research on Motor Neurone Disease. Located within the prestigious King's College London Trusted Research Environment, you will benefit from access to cutting-edge resources and a culture that prioritises innovation, professional development, and meaningful contributions to public health. Join us to make a difference in the lives of those affected by MND while enjoying opportunities for growth and collaboration with leading academic institutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Epidemiological Consultant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the epidemiology field, especially those who might have insights into the MND Association. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your experience with complex datasets and statistical methods. When you get the chance to meet potential employers, having something tangible to share can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on industry trends! Follow relevant publications and join online forums related to epidemiology and health data science. This not only boosts your knowledge but also gives you great talking points during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in working with us. Tailor your application to reflect how your expertise aligns with the MND Association’s mission and the specific role of Epidemiological Consultant.
We think you need these skills to ace Epidemiological Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Epidemiological Consultant. Highlight your experience with complex datasets and any relevant statistical methods you've used. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about MND and how your expertise can contribute to our mission. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your programming skills, especially in R or Python. If you’ve worked in secure data environments before, let us know! We’re keen on candidates who can navigate complex health data with ease.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at MND Association
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the key datasets mentioned in the job description, like the MND Register and Hospital Episode Statistics. Brush up on how to reconcile variations across these datasets, as this will show your potential employer that you understand the complexities of the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss specific statistical methods you’ve used in the past, especially those relevant to epidemiology like capture-recapture techniques. Be ready to explain how you’ve applied these methods in secure data environments, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience and expertise.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex epidemiological concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to communicate findings to both technical and senior audiences, so being able to articulate your methodology and results clearly is crucial. Consider preparing a few examples of how you've done this in previous roles.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the mission of the MND Association and the impact of your work on people affected by MND. Showing genuine passion for the cause can set you apart from other candidates. Think about how your skills can contribute to their goals and be ready to discuss this during the interview.
