At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse primary care data to identify dementia risk factors and contribute to impactful publications.
- Company: Join UCL's School of Life & Medical Sciences, a leader in public health research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days holiday, a pension scheme, and on-site gym access.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in dementia prevention while collaborating with top experts.
- Qualifications: Master’s degree in epidemiology or statistics and experience with large datasets required.
- Other info: Fixed-term contract until March 2027 with opportunities for mentorship.
The predicted salary is between 32900 - 43300 £ per year.
The Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health is headed by Professors Greta Rait and Kate Walters and is part of the UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care. The Department’s strategic aim is to deliver high quality teaching in community-based primary care and public health, and to undertake a programme of internationally competitive multi-disciplinary research addressing the management and prevention of disease in individuals and populations in areas which are of priority to the health of the public.
The PRACTICAL (Positive Risk Advice And Economic Analysis For Dementia) study aims to analyse primary care data on dementia risk factors and translate this to knowledge about delay in onset of dementia by risk factor profile, as well as insights into implications for costs.
About The Role
What You’ll Achieve
As a Research Assistant on the PRACTICAL study, you will contribute to shaping national dementia prevention strategies by analysing large-scale primary care data to identify modifiable risk factors. Your work will inform health economics by translating clinical insights into population-level cost implications. You’ll help drive evidence-based policy through impactful publications and stakeholder engagement, and support community empowerment by contributing to tools and advice aimed at delaying dementia onset.
What You’ll Do
- Conduct rigorous statistical analysis using CPRD (Clinical Practice Research Datalink) data
- Collaborate with leading experts in psychiatry, primary care, and health economics
- Co-author scientific papers and contribute to public-facing materials
- Work with patient and public involvement (PPI) groups to ensure relevance of research
- Support related studies and mentor MSc/PhD students where appropriate
About You
The post holder would be expected to have:
- A Master’s degree in epidemiology, statistics, or a related field.
- Experience conducting statistical analyses with large datasets and statistical software (e.g., Stata or R).
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
- A passion for dementia research and public health impact.
What we offer
Fixed-term contract with external funding until 31 March 2027. Appointment at Grade 6B.25 (£38,607 incl. London Allowance).
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Immigration loan and expenses
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On-Site nursery
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce.
Research Assistant : Dementia Risk Advice (1.0 FTE) employer: UCL AI Centre
Contact Detail:
UCL AI Centre Recruiting Team
g.rait@ucl.ac.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant : Dementia Risk Advice (1.0 FTE)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) data. Understanding how to navigate and analyse this specific dataset will give you a significant edge during interviews, as it’s central to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in dementia research and public health. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with experts in the field, which could lead to valuable insights and potential recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with statistical software like Stata or R. Be ready to share specific examples of projects where you've used these tools, as practical knowledge is crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Engage with patient and public involvement (PPI) groups. Understanding their perspectives can enhance your application and demonstrate your commitment to making research relevant and impactful for the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant : Dementia Risk Advice (1.0 FTE)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Personal Statement: In your personal statement, make sure to clearly address how you meet each essential and desirable criterion listed in the person specification. Use specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills in statistical analysis and your passion for dementia research.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on experiences that relate directly to the role. Emphasise any previous work with large datasets, statistical software like Stata or R, and any collaborative projects in public health or epidemiology.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since strong communication skills are essential for this role, include examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information in past roles. This could be through co-authoring papers, presenting findings, or engaging with public involvement groups.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, take the time to proofread your application thoroughly. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that your CV and personal statement are clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL AI Centre
✨Know Your Data
Familiarise yourself with the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) and be prepared to discuss your experience with large datasets. Highlight any specific statistical analyses you've conducted and how they relate to dementia research.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Research Assistant, you'll need strong communication skills. Be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others, especially in a research context. This could include co-authoring papers or working with patient and public involvement groups.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Public Health
Express your enthusiasm for dementia research and its impact on public health. Share any relevant experiences or projects that showcase your commitment to improving health outcomes through research.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready about the PRACTICAL study or the department's future research directions. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.