At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct detailed audits and harmonise datasets to improve MND prevalence estimates.
- Company: Join the MND Association, dedicated to supporting those affected by Motor Neurone Disease.
- Benefits: Work in a secure research environment with opportunities for impactful contributions.
- Other info: Collaborate with top universities and work on high-impact projects.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in MND research and help shape national health data.
- Qualifications: Expertise in epidemiology, biostatistics, and strong programming skills in R or Python.
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. Please read the information in this job post thoroughly to understand exactly what is expected of potential candidates.
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: Motor Neurone Disease Association
The MND Association is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful research in the field of epidemiology while collaborating with prestigious institutions like King's College London and Oxford University. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee growth, providing access to advanced analytical tools and a secure research environment that fosters innovation and professional development. Join us in making a difference for those affected by Motor Neurone Disease, where every day matters.
Contact Details:
Motor Neurone Disease Association Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Epidemiological Consultant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the epidemiology field, especially those connected to MND research. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to make connections and show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the datasets mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss how you would approach reconciling variations and what statistical methods you’d apply.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Bring examples of your previous work with complex health data to the table. This could be through case studies or projects that highlight your experience with R or Python.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Epidemiological Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand the role and how your skills align with what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Expertise:When writing your application, highlight your advanced expertise in epidemiology and biostatistics. We’re keen on seeing how your experience with complex datasets can contribute to our mission at the MND Association.
Be Clear and Concise:Make sure your application is clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your methodologies and findings, as we need to communicate effectively with both technical and senior audiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates about the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Motor Neurone Disease Association
✨Know Your Data Inside Out
Make sure you’re familiar with the datasets mentioned in the job description, like the MND Register and Hospital Episode Statistics. Brush up on how to assess their structure and completeness, as well as any common issues that arise when reconciling data.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with advanced statistical methods, especially capture-recapture techniques. Be ready to provide examples of how you've applied these methods in previous roles, and think about how you would approach the analysis for this specific role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll need to document your methodology and communicate findings to both technical and senior audiences, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge the gap between data analysis and stakeholder communication.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Environment
Get to know the tools and environments mentioned, like R, Python, and the Trusted Research Environment. If you have experience with these, be prepared to discuss it. If not, consider doing a quick tutorial to show your willingness to learn and adapt.
