At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a major cancer epidemiology project using advanced quantitative data analysis.
- Company: Join Newcastle University, a diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent benefits.
- Benefits: Generous holiday package, pension schemes, health initiatives, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Full-time role available from October 2026 for 36 months, with great career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cancer research while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: PhD in epidemiology or related field with strong quantitative skills required.
The predicted salary is between 47389 - 56535 £ per year.
Salary: £47,389 to £56,535 per annum
Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.
Closing Date: Friday 10 July 2026
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 interpersonal 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 budget
- Drive the selection and application of appropriate analytical methods
- Undertake epidemiological and statistical analyses
- Lead applications for data access and ensure necessary approvals, and appropriate governance, are in place
- Undertake rapid reviews of relevant literature to inform the project and ensure it remains up‑to‑date and grounded in contemporary cancer care
- Lead regular project meetings
- Develop and implement a dissemination plan for the project, with a focus on maximising impact
- Develop effective working relationships with other project staff and collaborators, both clinical and academic
- Take responsibility for reporting activities as required by the project funder
- Identify and undertake a programme of professional development, including further training in research methods or other transferable skills
- Initiate funding applications
- Provide supervision of, and support development of, other quantitative researchers within the REACH group
- Supervise undergraduate and post‑graduate projects & dissertations
- Participate in activities of the REACH group and Population Health Sciences Research Institute
- Undertake other reasonable duties as required
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- At least 5‑years post‑doctoral experience of statistical or epidemiological analysis of complex, large‑scale, quantitative health‑related data
- Experience of using NHS data (e.g., cancer registrations, HES, CPRD, prescription data) for research
- Experience of applying a range of statistical/epidemiological approaches across a variety of different study designs
- Experience of assessing medication/treatment utilisation and/or adherence using health service data
- Very well‑developed skills in Stata and/or R
- Experience of undertaking PPIE
- Knowledge of cancer and its treatment
- High level of understanding, and experience, of working with multidisciplinary collaborators and a range of stakeholders
- Experience in applying for, and securing, external research funding
- Strong track record of disseminating research findings, including publishing in peer‑reviewed journals
Knowledge, Skills and Experience – Desirable
- Experience of working within multi‑disciplinary or multi‑centre teams, particularly in cancer
- Knowledge or experience of survival analysis and/or causal methods
- Experience of supporting development of quantitative skills among researchers or students
- Experience of supervising undergraduate and post‑graduate research projects
Attributes and Behaviour
- Excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work flexibly and cooperatively with others to successfully deliver research projects
- Effective time management and prioritisation skills to balance the potentially conflicting demands of project work and other responsibilities
- Ability to solve problems
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect research data according to protocols and principles of good research practice
- Understanding of and commitment to good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity
Qualifications
- 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 my 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 Athena 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.
Senior Research Associate (Quantitative) employer: Newcastle University
Newcastle University is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing through generous holiday packages, comprehensive pension schemes, and health initiatives. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the university fosters professional growth opportunities, encouraging staff to engage in continuous development while contributing to impactful research in a collaborative setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate (Quantitative)
✨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 Senior Research Associate (Quantitative)
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.
