At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop innovative statistical methods in causal inference and create user-friendly software.
- Company: UCL's Department of Statistical Science, a leader in statistics education and research.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, on-site gym, and employee assistance programme.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment committed to equality, diversity, and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in research while collaborating with top institutions like Oxford and Novo Nordisk.
- Qualifications: PhD in Statistics or related field, strong programming skills in Python or R.
The predicted salary is between 46261 - 46261 £ per year.
The Department of Statistical Science at UCL is the longest established university statistics department in the world and has played a pioneering role in the development of the subject since its foundation in 1911. It is one of nine departments in the UCL Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences and has close links with many other departments, both within the Faculty and outside of it. We teach statistical science at all levels (undergraduate single/combined honours, service courses, MSc and PhD) and carry out research across a wide range of theoretical and applied areas. In the last Research Excellence Framework exercise (2021/22), over 97% of our output was classified as “world-leading” or “internationally excellent” in terms of originality, significance and rigour. We consistently score highly in the National Student Survey in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey.
The post is an exciting opportunity for a researcher to develop novel statistical methods in causal inference and contribute to a strategic partnership between UCL, the University of Oxford, and Novo Nordisk. You will develop methodology to account for potential sources of disparity in treatment effect estimates between multiple data sources, including confounding, covariate shift, missing data, and measurement error. The goal will be to address each source of bias in turn before synthesising these into a single framework for robust point estimation and valid inference. The postholder will implement these methodological advances into user‑friendly software, including tutorials and best‑practice guidelines, aimed at clinicians and biostatisticians. The post is funded for 2 years and available from the 1st September 2026, though a later start is possible.
Salary
- Research Fellow grade 7 spine point 32 (£46,261 per annum) to 37 (£52,586 per annum)
- Senior Research Fellow grade 8 spine point 39 (£54,931 per annum) to 40 (£56,431 per annum)
About you
The successful candidate must have a PhD in Statistics, Biostatistics, or a closely related quantitative discipline and strong programming skills in Python or R. They will also have experience in causal inference research, including methods for treatment effect estimation as well as experience in developing and evaluating novel statistical methodology.
What we offer
- 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
- 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
The department holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance the representation of women in science, mathematics, engineering and technology. We strongly support UCL’s Equalities and Diversity Strategy and encourage applications to our vacancies from under‑represented groups.
(Senior) Research Fellow in Causal Inference employer: UCL
UCL's Department of Statistical Science offers an exceptional work environment for researchers, fostering innovation and collaboration in a world-renowned institution. With a strong commitment to employee growth, generous benefits including 41 days of holiday, and a supportive culture that champions equality and diversity, this role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful research while enjoying a balanced work-life experience in the heart of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land (Senior) Research Fellow in Causal Inference
✨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 UCL, 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 UCL. 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 Fellow in Causal Inference
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 UCL. 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 UCL. 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 UCL
✨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 UCL. 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 UCL to drive research projects forward.
