At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative trial designs for rare diseases and collaborate with a dynamic research team.
- Company: World-class research university driving economic and cultural development in the North East.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities to supervise PhD students.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in health research while developing your own research portfolio.
- Qualifications: Strong research background and experience in applying statistical methods.
The predicted salary is between 58225 - 67468 £ per year.
The Role
We are pleased to announce an exciting role working as part of the Newcastle Biostatistics Research Group (BRG), Newcastle Clinical Trials Unit (NCTU) and the NIHR Research Support Service hosted by Newcastle and Partners (RSS N&P).
This role will provide strategic leadership in the area of implementing innovative trial designs in practice, with particular focus on rare diseases. The position is funded by two LifeArc-funded Translational Research Centres and RSS N&P.
BRG is a group of 30 applied and methodological biostatisticians who work together to develop and implement state-of-the-art statistical methods in health research. The UKCRC Registered, Newcastle Clinical Trials Unit (NCTU), has expertise in the design and conduct of large complex multi-centre clinical trials, and a developing track-record of methods research in clinical trials.
The role will be based in our offices on the University main campus. In alignment with Newcastle University\'s blended working policy, this position allows for working from home for part of your working week.
We are looking for an individual that has an impressive portfolio of research outputs, evidence of applying their research in practice, and successful track record of funding for their research. You will likely have several years’ experience at a level equivalent to Senior Research Associate
You will report to Professor James Wason, who you will meet with regularly. You will line-manage colleagues and take a leading part in regular team meetings, developing collaborations within BRG/NCTU and externally to the group. There will be opportunities to supervise PhD students and develop your own research portfolio.
We are looking for individuals who are: ambitious to achieve results and develop their own research area that is complementary to the BRG; willing to get involved in applying advanced statistical methods in real projects; and who work well with others and are willing to support our positive research culture.
This role is fixed term until August 2028
Key Accountabilities
- Lead the statistical development of clinical trial proposals, in particular ones using innovative design and analysis methods within rare diseases
- Lead the supervision of PhD students and line management of research staff
- Inform and support a strategic direction for BRG, NCTU and RSS in innovative trials methods and rare disease trials, building on existing trials methodology research in the groups
- Further increase connections between BRG, NCTU and RSS teams to the benefit of all including as joint Chair of the CTU-BRG Group , and attending RSS Strategic Planning , CTU New Business and Trials meetings
- Develop / implement training aimed at ensuring internal and external stakeholders are informed about relevant trial designs, including innovative and efficient approaches
- Work with relevant BRG and NCTU teams to improve quality management systems and processes, in particular those related to conduct of innovative trial designs (e.g. data and randomisation systems)
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Substantial experience in conducting research, as evidenced by impactful publications in high-quality peer-reviewed journals
- Strong track-record of involvement in successful research funding applications
- Experience of managing, mentoring or supervising staff or students
- Strong technical and methodological statistical skills applied to health research
- Experience of programming in R or other statistical programming languages
- Experience in conducting and publishing (statistical or trials) methodology research
- Experience of teaching statistics
Attributes and Behaviour
- Strong vision for growing the BRG and NCTU
- Keen to help others and play role in positive research culture
- Enthusiastic to grow and develop as a researcher
- Follows-through on commitments and drives projects forward
- Strong interpersonal, communication, administrative and leadership skills
Qualifications
- A PhD in a relevant discipline (or equivalent research-based expertise)
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.
Principal Research Associate in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Newcastle University
As a world-class research-intensive university, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. Our commitment to high-quality teaching and impactful research in the North East of England is matched by our supportive culture, which encourages ambitious individuals to thrive and contribute to meaningful projects. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities for leadership and mentorship, joining our Newcastle Biostatistics Research Group offers a unique chance to make a significant impact in health research while enjoying a fulfilling career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Research Associate in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Newcastle University, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Newcastle University. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Research Associate in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Newcastle University. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Newcastle University. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle University
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Newcastle University. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Newcastle University to drive research projects forward.
