At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct statistical analysis for clinical trials and contribute to research publications.
- Company: Join the University of Sheffield, a world-class institution with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and extensive discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in medical research while developing your statistical skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in statistics or related field; experience in clinical trials preferred.
The predicted salary is between 32722 - 39560 £ per year.
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university. We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.
Overview
The Clinical Trials Research Unit section in the Division of Population Health based in the School of Medicine and Population Health is seeking to recruit a Research Assistant in Medical Statistics (Grade 6) or Research Associate in Medical Statistics (Grade 7) who has a passion for statistics (and applied research) and a willingness to share their passion, enthusiasm and knowledge with others. You will have good knowledge of applied statistics and clinical trial methodology. You will have good programming skills and experience of working with complex datasets. You will exhibit a “can do” attitude to new activities knowing your strengths and skills whilst being flexible and able to adapt to change. You will be able to communicate effectively with non-statisticians, and be able to clearly explain complex statistical concepts in lay terms. You will provide timely and high-quality statistical input and leadership to research projects, including input to the design, analysis, and reporting of studies. With exceptional interpersonal skills you will relate well to others in the team establishing good working relationships, and provide training to statistical colleagues.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Undertake the statistical analysis of research projects (primarily randomised controlled trials) in line with pre-defined statistical analysis plans and contribute to their reporting and dissemination, under the supervision of a senior statistician.
- Draft (Grade 7) or contribute to drafting (Grade 6) statistical analysis plans for trials, in line with the analysis outlined in the protocol and grant application, under the supervision of a senior statistician.
- Provide (Grade 7) or assist with providing (Grade 6) high-quality statistical advice and support to multidisciplinary research projects within the Division of Population Health, under the supervision of a senior statistician.
- Write up (Grade 7) or contribute to the writing of (Grade 6) study outputs which will inform academic publications in high-quality journals.
- Develop (Grade 6) or continually update (Grade 7) knowledge and understanding of medical statistics in line with advances in the relevant subject area.
- Attend and participate in relevant department meetings.
- Share knowledge and skills with colleagues.
Teaching
- Contribute to teaching statistics in tutorials to undergraduate and postgraduate students in the School with training provided, as appropriate.
Planning and Organising
- Assist with the high-quality delivery of research studies within agreed timescales.
- Prioritise tasks and allocate time to different studies as appropriate.
- Undertake advance planning to meet deadlines for study milestones and dissemination of results.
- Contribute to the development (Grade 6) or develop (Grade 7) materials for research study meetings as requested.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Criteria
- Undergraduate and MSc qualification (or near completion) in a subject containing substantial statistical content. Essential Application
- Minimum of 2 years work experience in clinical trials, or a closely related discipline. Essential (Grade 7) Application
- Sound understanding of the scientific principles of randomised controlled trials and trials methodology, including the design, interpretation and reporting. Essential Application & interview
- Awareness of the principles of good clinical practice and of regulatory and ethics requirements of clinical trials. Desirable (Grade 6) Essential (Grade 7) Application & interview
- Statistical programming experience in either Stata or R, including complex statistical analyses such as linear mixed models, and Essential Application & interview
- Experience creating automated statistical reports and other relevant output from within statistical software. Desirable (Grade 6) Essential (Grade 7) Application & interview
- Experience in contributing to trial protocols and the writing of statistical analysis plans and setting up randomisation systems for new trials. Essential (Grade 7) Application & interview
- Track record of publications in clinical and methodological journals. Desirable (Grade 6) Essential (Grade 7) Application & interview
- Grade 6: Track record of working efficiently within a team. Grade 7: Track record of working efficiently within a multidisciplinary team, including trial managers, clinicians, health economists, statisticians and methodologists. Essential Application & interview
- Excellent communication skills, including report writing and experience of delivering presentations. Essential Application & interview
- Ability to acquire new skills and knowledge where necessary (including technical expertise and experience) to facilitate the success of the current study and the development of CTRU generally. Essential Application & interview
- Ability to independently assess and organise resources, plan and progress work activities and work to deadlines. Essential Application & interview
Further Information
- Grade 6 or Grade 7, depending on experience
- Salary Grade 6: £32,080 - £36,636 per annum. Potential to progress to £39,906 per annum through sustained exceptional contribution.
- Grade 7: £38,784 - £47,389 per annum. Potential to progress to £51,753 per annum through sustained exceptional contribution.
- Work arrangement: Full-time Hybrid working with a minimum of 60% of working days are expected to be undertaken on site, to be agreed with the successful candidate.
- Duration: 18 months fixed term
- Line manager: Senior Research Fellow/Medical Statistician
- Direct reports: N/A
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in December 2026. This will consist of an interview and an exercise. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact dph-section-operations@sheffield.ac.uk.
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision.
What we offer
- A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
- A range of generous family-friendly policies paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies access to menopause support in the workplace.
Research Assistant in Medical Statistics/Research Associate in Medical Statistics in Sheffield employer: University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values diversity and fosters collaboration among its staff. With a commitment to employee development, generous benefits including competitive annual leave, flexible working options, and a supportive environment for personal growth, the university stands out as a place where researchers can thrive and contribute to groundbreaking interdisciplinary projects in a world-class academic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in Medical Statistics/Research Associate in Medical Statistics in Sheffield
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in Medical Statistics/Research Associate in Medical Statistics in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at University of Sheffield.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at University of Sheffield.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to University of Sheffield. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at University of Sheffield. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Sheffield
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research University of Sheffield’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
