Research Assistant in Medical Statistics in Plymouth

The Medical Statistics group at the University of Plymouth is seeking to appoint a highly motivated graduate-level statistician to support the Down’s syndrome screening Quality Assurance Support Service (DQASS). This is an exciting chance to be part of a progressive and cutting-edge University in a beautiful location, where you can really make a difference. The group has hosted DQASS since its inception in 2006. Funded by the NHS, DQASS is a statistical support service for NHS Down's syndrome screening laboratories nationwide. It reports to the NHS Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme (FASP) and is supported by the UK National Screening Committee. The overall aim of the programme is to ensure all pregnant women have access to a Down’s syndrome screening programme that is uniform, equitable and adheres to national guidance, supported by a quality assurance framework.

The primary function of this role is the statistical analysis, R programming, database handling (including SQL) and reporting of the data submitted by the screening laboratories to DQASS. Supported by senior staff, you will also deal with queries from the laboratories or FASP via email or over the phone. The Medical Statistics group’s wider research encompasses clinical trials and pragmatic health services research (e.g. RCTs of medicinal products and complex interventions) and biomedical and clinical studies (e.g. screening and diagnostics; longitudinal studies). You will also support and work with senior colleagues on other projects such as clinical trials, longitudinal studies and service contracts, as well as contributing to the development of research ideas and funding proposals.

For this role, you will need to be on site 1 day a week. Although we can accommodate working from home for this role, flexibility to be on-site will be expected due to business needs. The successful candidate may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken.

What we’re looking for:

• You will hold, or expect to graduate in summer 2026 with, a good first degree in Statistics or Mathematics and a strong working knowledge of R programming.
• Knowledge of databases and SQL are also desirable.
• You must have excellent communication skills and be able to communicate complex concepts to non-statisticians.
• There is scope for the role to be undertaken in a hybrid manner and we are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

About us:

The Faculty of Health holds four Silver Athena Swan awards, which recognise our commitment to supporting gender equality within higher education. The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our two strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute and the Sustainable Earth Institute. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.

Application Process:

Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.

Our Offer:

• Generous annual leave: 25 Days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays & Closure Days
• Generous pension scheme
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Development opportunities
• Enhanced family leave
• Flexible working
• Retailer discounts
• On-site nursery

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.

Additional Information:

The University of Plymouth is building an inclusive and equitable university where everyone feels represented, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is guided by the Inclusive Institutions Framework, a strategic and externally validated approach that embeds these principles across the entire institution.