psychosocial/ medical statistician/ senior medical statistician
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
Faculty of Medicine and HealthSection of Oncology – Based at St James’s University Hospital
Psychosocial/ Medical Statistician/ Senior Medical Statistician
Full-time/ Part-time (Minimum 60% fte)
An excellent career opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join an active team involved in psychosocial oncology research. We welcome applications from new graduates as well as from more experienced statisticians.
The Cancer Research UK Psychosocial Oncology and Clinical Practice Group studies the effects of routine computer-based measurement of patient symptoms, social difficulties and quality of life on doctor-patient communication, medical decisions and on patient well-being.
The group works closely with the Clinical Trials Research Unit at the University of Leeds. The Unit is a leader in the field of clinical trials, conducting national and international randomised clinical trials in a variety of clinical fields (cancer, cardiovascular disease and care of the elderly) and has an associated research portfolio. You will have the opportunity to join their team of ten statisticians, providing additional professional training opportunities, supervision and peer support.
With a BSc/ MSc with major statistical component (or equivalent), you will have effective interpersonal and communication skills and be able to work well individually and within a multidisciplinary team, which includes research fellows, research assistants, health professionals and programmers.
The post is available for a fixed term until April 2012 (with the possibility of extension dependent on funding).
University Grade 6 (£22,332 - £26,666 p.a.) or Grade 7 (£27,466 - £32,796 p.a.) depending upon qualifications and relevant experience
Informal enquiries to Dr Galina Velikova tel +44 (0)113 2067917, email [email protected] or Prof Julia Brown tel +44 (0)113 3431477, email [email protected]
To apply on line visit www.leeds.ac.uk and click on ‘jobs’Application packs are also available from Sharon Collins, tel +44 (0)113 206 6949, email [email protected]
LIMM Job ref 214185 Closing date 26 June 2008
Background
The Cancer Research UK funded Psychosocial Oncology and Clinical Practice Group, led by Dr Galina Velikova, is based on the St James’s University Hospital campus. It is part of the Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre, led by Professor Peter Selby and within the Faculty of Medicine and Health, part of the Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine (LIMM). The group has a large and active clinical research programme, which was rated as being at the “international forefront” in a recent review by an international expert panel.
The main focus of the research is on patient-centred assessment of symptoms, functioning and social problems, using electronic questionnaires, aiming to improve the process and the outcomes of patient care. The Group adopts a rigorous approach to studying the applications to clinical practice using randomised clinical trials designs to measure the effects of complex interventions. We have expertise in questionnaire development and validation, qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as design and statistical analysis of clinical trials in psychosocial oncology.
Current research programme of the Group includes:
1. A study of automated patient-reported measurement of symptoms and functioning and their implementation in oncology practice. This project comprises a series of studies, including qualitative studies of doctor-patient communication, interviews with oncologists and patients, development of a training programme for oncologists in interpretation and use of questionnaire data, followed by conducting a large randomised controlled trial.2. Detection of social difficulties with a focus on implementation in clinical practice, including qualitative work (interviews with patients and health care professionals) and randomized pilot studies.
Underpinning the above studies is an excellent automated system for data collection using touch-screen computers, which is linked to existing electronic patient records.
The Group has access to a large cancer patient population in the Leeds Cancer Centre (which has moved into a new purpose-build modern hospital on St James’s site) and more widely in the Yorkshire Cancer Network, including the Cancer Units in Bradford and Huddersfield Royal Infirmaries.
As part of the Group’s Cancer Research UK programme funding one post is available for a psychosocial statistician / senior statistician to strengthen and develop further the ongoing studies on patient-centred assessment of symptoms, functioning and social problems in oncology practice.
This is a new Cancer Research UK programme grant funded statistical post. It will suit a medical statistician with experience in quality of life / psychosocial research, who is looking to develop their career in this specialist area.
The group works closely with the Clinical Trials Research Unit (CTRU) at the University of Leeds. The Unit is a leader in the field of clinical trials, conducting national and international randomised clinical trials in a variety of clinical fields (cancer, cardiovascular disease and care of the elderly) and has an associated research portfolio. The successful applicant would be invited to attend departmental meetings of the statistical team and encouraged to form close links with colleagues in the Unit. Statistical supervision will be provided by Prof Julia Brown, Director of CTRU and other principal and senior statisticians.
Senior Medical StatisticianUniversity Grade 7
Purpose of the Post
You will contribute to the operational direction of the research group. You will play a key senior role in the development of methodology for efficient statistical and psychometric analysis of QOL datasets both within and across trials of the research group. You will contribute to the design of trials of complex interventions using routine measurement of symptoms/ functioning in oncology practice and evaluating novel QOL-related endpoints. (Grade 7)
Opportunities are available to work on a national level with NCRI Psychosocial Oncology Clinical Studies development group and on an international level with researchers at European Organisation for Research and Treatment EORTC Quality of Life Group.
Although this post is full-time, consideration will be given to part-time (minimum 60%fte) or job-sharing applicants
Main Duties and Responsibilities (Grade 7) Trial related statistics and methodological research
1 Develop methodology for efficient statistical and psychometric analysis of quality of life datasets, both within and across trials done by the research group. This may include, where appropriate, application of multi-level modelling, psychometric analysis or Rasch/ item-response theory approaches.
2 Contribute to the design of trials of complex interventions performed by the research group, that use routine measurement of symptoms and functioning in oncology practice.
3 Development and definition of appropriate quality of life study questions and endpoints, together with trial co-ordinators, including, as appropriate, a review of available literature and analysis of data from other sources.
4 Contribute to writing trial protocols, particularly statistical considerations of endpoint definition, sample size and data collection tools and methods.
5 Decide on, prepare analysis plans for and undertake appropriate statistical analyses of the Group research projects, using appropriate statistical software. Evaluate novel quality of life related endpoints.
6 Contribute to
development of relevant standard operating procedures for analysis of quality of life datasets
statistical monitoring of research projects conducted by the research group, where appropriate conduct audit of data, interim analysis and advise the research group on statistical issues related to ongoing projects
7 Design and perform exploratory analysis to optimise research output from quality of life studies.
8 Derive normative data by analysis of existing datasets covering a wide variety of cancer types and cancer stages for future use by the research group.
Methodological research
9 Undertake methodological research under supervision as and when appropriate and introduce such methodology into the research group by providing training to relevant staff. This may relate to analysis of datasets with missing quality of life data, Rasch analysis, deriving normative datasets and cut-off points for quality of life scales, evaluation of novel quality of life endpoints for trials.
10 Research into the development of quality of life questionnaires for clinical practice and data collection tools pertinent to the research portfolio of the group.
Statistical consulting and teaching
11 Provide ongoing advice on statistical and general aspects of research to members of the research group and occasionally and where appropriate, to other health care professionals.
12 Contribute to the in-house teaching and training of research assistants and research fellows in statistical methodology.
General
13 Keep abreast of relevant statistical developments which impact upon the work of the group, through membership of relevant societies and through journals, conferences and courses.
14 Contribute actively to submissions to grant awarding bodies for external funding of new projects, with particular input in statistical aspects.
15 Contribute to writing of publications and reports from research projects.
16 Present results at local, national and international level, including writing abstracts and manuscripts.
17 Contribute to the activities of the research group, maintaining and increasing the international standing of the research.
18 Establish and participate in networks within and external to the organisation, to build relationships, disseminate information and influence opinion within the specialist area.
19 Investigation, introduction and validation of new statistical software if appropriate.
20 Establish and maintain professional relationships with personnel from the Clinical Trials Research Unit and other associated organisations.
21 Provide statistical refereeing for reputable journals as and when appropriate.
22 Input into the review of existing SOPs and guidelines and write new SOPs as required.
Management
23 Manage own workload and timescales.
24 Assist in the training and supervision of research assistants and research fellows in the design, analysis and presentation of projects conducted by the group.
Relationships
You will be responsible on a day-to-day basis to Dr Galina Velikova, through whom you will be accountable to the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health. Statistical supervision will be provided by Prof Julia Brown, Director of CTRU. You will have a series of other key professional relationships, including:
Close links with statistician colleagues from the CTRU, the successful applicant would be invited to attend departmental meetings of the statistical team.
Opportunities are available to work on a national level with NCRI Psychosocial Oncology Clinical Studies development group and on an international level with researchers at European Organisation for Research and Treatment EORTC Quality of Life Group.
Person specification (Grade 7)
Essential BSc with major statistical component and/or MSc with major statistical component (or equivalent)
Evidence of the ability to work independently, to develop methodologically, and analyse statistical data
Medical statistics experience or experience in psychometric analysis (at least 2 years)
A sound understanding of principles of psychosocial research and quality of life within randomised clinical trials
Ability to contribute effectively to operational goals
Experience of appropriate analysis methods. This will include some of the following- methodology for questionnaire validation, factor analysis- experience of analysing longitudinal datasets - generalised estimating equations- dealing with missing data
Working knowledge of statistical software (SPSS, Stata)
Effective team worker
Effective interpersonal and communication skills, including written and presentational
Ability to use own initiative
Ability to be flexible regarding meeting deadlines and prioritisation of tasks
Willing to keep abreast of / assess / use new statistical techniques
Desirable Knowledge of SAS computing package
Experience and knowledge of analysis of quality of life and psychosocial data in clinical trials and other research projects
Knowledge of PC based Windows and Microsoft Office software, including Access and Excel
Basic knowledge of qualitative research methods
Basic knowledge of validation methods for questionnaire development
Research active (as evidenced by grant applications / publications)
Evidence of project management
Medical StatisticianUniversity Grade 6
Purpose of the Post
You will provide under supervision statistical services to the research group, including development of methodology for efficient statistical and psychometric analysis of QOL datasets both within and across trials. You will assist in developing the design of trials of complex interventions using routine measurement of symptoms/ functioning in oncology practice and evaluating novel QOL-related endpoints.
Opportunities may be available to work on a national level with NCRI Psychosocial Oncology Clinical Studies development group and on an international level with researchers at European Organisation for Research and Treatment EORTC Quality of Life Group.
Although this post is full-time, consideration will be given to part-time (minimum 60%fte) or job-sharing applicants
Main Duties and Responsibilities (All under the direction and close supervision of Senior Medical Statistician or Senior Research Fellow) Trial related statistics and methodological research
1 Assist in developing methodology for efficient statistical and psychometric analysis of quality of life datasets, both within and across trials done by the research group. This may include, where appropriate, application of multi-level modelling, psychometric analysis or Rasch/ item-response theory approaches.
2 Under supervision contribute to the design of trials of complex interventions performed by the research group, that use routine measurement of symptoms and functioning in oncology practice.
3 Assist in developing and defining appropriate quality of life study questions and endpoints, together with trial co-ordinators, including, as appropriate, a review of available literature and analysis of data from other sources.
4 Under supervision contribute to writing trial protocols, particularly statistical considerations of endpoint definition, sample size and data collection tools and methods.
5 Under supervision, prepare analysis plans for and undertake appropriate statistical analyses of the Group research projects, using appropriate statistical software. Evaluate novel quality of life related endpoints.
6 Under supervision, contribute to
development of relevant standard operating procedures for analysis of quality of life datasets
statistical monitoring of research projects conducted by the research group, where appropriate conduct audit of data, interim analysis and advise the research group on statistical issues related to ongoing projects
7 Under supervision, perform exploratory analysis to optimise research output from quality of life studies.
8 Derive normative data by analysis of existing datasets covering a wide variety of cancer types and cancer stages for future use by the research group.
Methodological research
9 Undertake associated methodological research under supervision as and when appropriate and introduce such methodology into the research group by providing training to relevant staff.
Statistical consulting and teaching
10 With close supervision, provide ongoing advice on statistical and general aspects of research to members of the research group and occasionally and where appropriate, to other health care professionals.
11 Contribute to the in-house teaching and training of research assistants and research fellows in statistical methodology.
General
12 Keep abreast of relevant statistical developments which impact upon the work of the group, through membership of relevant societies and through journals, conferences and courses.
13 Assist where appropriate to submissions to grant awarding bodies for external funding of new projects, with particular input in statistical aspects.
14 Under supervision contribute to writing of publications and reports from research projects.
15 Present results at local, national and international level, including writing abstracts and manuscripts.
16 Contribute to the activities of the research group, maintaining and increasing the international standing of the research.
17 Participate in networks within and external to the organisation, to build relationships and disseminate information.
18 Assist with the investigation, introduction and validation of new statistical software if appropriate.
19 Establish and maintain professional relationships with personnel from the Clinical Trials Research Unit and other associated organisations.
20 Provide statistical refereeing for reputable journals as and when appropriate.
21 Assist with the review of existing SOPs and guidelines and provide input into the writing of new SOPs as required.
Management
22 Manage own workload and timescales.
23 Assist in the training and supervision of research assistants and research fellows in the design, analysis and presentation of projects conducted by the group.
Relationships
You will be responsible on a day-to-day basis to Dr Galina Velikova, through whom you will be accountable to the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health. Statistical supervision will be provided by Prof Julia Brown, Director of CTRU. You will have a series of other key professional relationships, including:
Close links with statistician colleagues from the CTRU, the successful applicant would be invited to attend departmental meetings of the statistical team.
Opportunities may be available to work on a national level with NCRI Psychosocial Oncology Clinical Studies development group and on an international level with researchers at European Organisation for Research and Treatment EORTC Quality of Life Group.
Person specification (Grade 6)
Essential BSc with major statistical component and/or MSc with major statistical component (or equivalent)
A sound understanding of principles of psychosocial research and quality of life within randomised clinical trials
Knowledge of appropriate analysis methods. This will include some of the following- methodology for questionnaire validation, factor analysis- experience of analysing longitudinal datasets - generalised estimating equations- dealing with missing data
Working knowledge of statistical software (SPSS, Stata)
Effective team worker
Effective interpersonal and communication skills, including written and presentational
Ability to use own initiative
Ability to be flexible regarding meeting deadlines and prioritisation of tasks
Willing to keep abreast of / assess / use new statistical techniques
Desirable Knowledge of SAS computing package
Experience of analysis of quality of life and psychosocial data in clinical trials and other research projects
Knowledge of current statistical issues in clinical trials
Knowledge of PC based Windows and Microsoft Office software, including Access and Excel
Basic knowledge of qualitative research methods
Basic knowledge of validation methods for questionnaire development
Research active (as evidenced by grant applications / publications)
Evidence of project management
How to Apply
We encourage all applicants to e-mail their completed application forms to us and to complete the equal opportunities monitoring form on-line as this is the most efficient and environmentally friendly option available.
Send Completed Applications to: [email protected] Closing date: 26 June 2008Quoting Job Reference number: 214185
Applications should include the following:
A completed application form. If you wish to download an application form allowing you to e-mail your application back please visit http://www.leeds.ac.uk/hr/forms/index.htm#recruitment
A Curriculum Vitae/information requested on page 2 of the application form.
Equal Opportunities Monitoring form found online, please visit:
http://tldynamic.leeds.ac.uk/equalopps/
If you have decided to submit your application by post please return to Sharon Collins, Cancer Research UK, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett St, Leeds LS9 7TF
Replies will be treated in complete confidence.
If you are selected for interview you can expect to hear from the University not later than 4 weeks after the closing date. If you are not selected for interview the University will not contact you again.
Please note that if you are considering applying for this post you must be able to supply proof of the right to work in the UK. We are obliged by European law to appoint people who are citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) where possible. Where there are no skills shortages for a particular post it is highly unlikely that an appointment could be made outside the EU.
A Criminal Records Disclosure is not required for this position; however, applicants who have unspent convictions must indicate this in section 9 of the application form and must declare the nature of the conviction to the Recruitment and Administrative Co-ordinator.
Disabled Applicants
The post is located at St James’s University Hospital. Disabled applicants wishing to review access to the building are invited to contact the department direct. Additional information may be sought from Disability Services, e-mail [email protected] or tel +44 (0)113 343 3927.
Disabled applicants are not obliged to inform employers of their disability but will still be covered by the Disability Discrimination Act once their disability becomes known.
Data Protection
The information you provide in your application will be used to consider your suitability for the post for which you have applied. If your application is not successful the information will be disposed of confidentially after 6 months. If your application is successful and you are appointed, your information and future data will be processed in accordance with the University's Data Protection Code of Practice. A copy of this code can be obtained from either the University's Human Resources Department or by visiting:
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/hr/policy/index.htm
Health and Safety Responsibilities
You are required to adhere to and comply with the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act, related Regulations, and act in accordance with the University’s Policy on Health and Safety which can be accessed via:http://www.leeds.ac.uk/safety
In addition you are also required to co-operate with regard to the implementation of the Health and Safety arrangements and should not interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interest of Health, Safety and Welfare at Work.
For more information on the University and terms and conditions of appointments please visit http://www.leeds.ac.uk
To find out what it’s like to work at the University of Leeds, view our DVD online at:http://www.leeds.ac.uk/hr/jobs/dvd.htm
Information for International staff moving to the UK can be found at: http://www.internationalstaff.org/
Equality and Diversity Statement
The University of Leeds is proud to be a multi-cultural community. We value diversity, and are determined to ensure:
that we treat all individuals fairly, with dignity and respect;
that the opportunities we provide are open to all;
that we provide a safe, supportive and welcoming environment – for staff, for students and for visitors.
We recognise that we still have work to do to secure a truly inclusive community, and we are committed to a wide-ranging plan of action to tackle discrimination and to promote diversity.
The Equality and Diversity Statement forms part of the University’s Equality and Diversity Policy, which applies to staff and students alike and is available on the University’s website at: http://www.equality.leeds.ac.uk/ed/policy/
The University has published the following policy and code of practice which are linked to the Equality and Diversity policy. They are also available on the University’s website:
The Race Equality Policy,
The Code of Practice on Harassment and Bullying
Further policies are being developed, and will be made available on the University’s website in due course.
Further information and advice are available from The Equality Service, Telephone: +44 (0)113 343 3927 or by email to [email protected].
The University of Leeds
With a proud tradition and an ambitious future vision the University of Leeds offers an exciting environment for all staff. We want to build on over a century of achievement and we now have a new ambition to be in the top 50 universities in the world by 2015. Our staff will be crucial in achieving this vision and we are looking for more talented people to play a part in our future.
Established as an independent institution in 1904 we are now one of the largest universities in the UK with an outstanding reputation for our research and teaching.
Leeds is a member of the Russell Group of UK research-led universities and is a founder member of the World Universities Network (WUN), a global alliance of major international institutions gathered from the UK, North America and Asia. These networks give our staff and students further support for international collaboration. Our wide range of research areas – from medicine to performing arts – creates a tremendous base for collaboration between colleagues.
Around 12% of our 32,000 students are international and come from over 100 countries. We are consistently one of the UK's most popular institutions for undergraduates. They choose Leeds for the quality of our courses and student experience. Our students are challenged by learning and teaching which is informed by our research. We are building stronger relationships with our graduates, and they are increasingly playing a role in campus life.
With around 7,500 staff the University is one of the largest employers in Leeds and one of the most diverse with staff of around 100 nationalities. We offer a range of benefits as an employer and we are continuing to invest in services and facilities for staff. These include a new staff centre and plans for a new swimming pool and fitness complex which join existing facilities like the nursery and sports centre.
Our 98 acre campus is minutes away from the centre of one the UK's biggest cities.
The City of Leeds
Leeds is the fastest growing city in the UK and home to over three-quarters of a million people. It is located in the heart of the UK and is the regional capital of Yorkshire and the Humber.
It is unrivalled in the north of England as a major shopping destination and centre for the arts, entertainment, nightlife and leisure. The city has a rich cultural heritage with a wide range of theatres, cinemas, museums and art galleries and a thriving music scene to cater for all tastes. Leeds has a proud sporting tradition and there are plenty of opportunities to participate in everything at all levels.
Home to some of the UK’s and Europe’s leading companies, Leeds has seen the fastest rate of growth in terms of job creation in the UK over the last two decades. It is the main centre for the regional headquarters of government departments and utilities providers and the National Health Service. It is also recognised as a major centre for financial services and is the top legal and media centre in the UK outside London.
Leeds has excellent communication and transport links. The city is well served by affordable, frequent local transport and has extensive coach and rail services connecting Leeds with the rest of the UK. Leeds/Bradford airport provides regular flights to an increasing number of destinations.
Large areas of parkland make Leeds a very green city. There are many areas of natural beauty and interest in Leeds from the national attractions of the Royal Armouries and the Thackray National Medical Museum to the fine mansions of Harewood House, Temple Newsam and Lotherton Hall. Leeds is also within easy reach of the Yorkshire Dales, the Peak District, the Lake District and historic towns such as York, Harrogate, Ripon and Bradford.
Rich in history, with a diverse economy, thriving cultural scene and a cosmopolitan atmosphere, Leeds stands proud as a city of regional, national and international importance.
University of Leeds Single Pay Spine and Grading Structure 07/08 August 2007 May 2008 October 2008
60 66,665 68,665 70,382
59 64,723 66,665 68,332
58 62,838 64,723 66,341
57 10b 61,008 62,838 64,409
56 59,231 61,008 62,533
55 57,507 59,232 60,712
54 10a 55,832 57,507 58,945
53 54,206 55,832 57,228
52 52,627 54,206 55,561
51 51,095 52,628 53,943
50 49,607 51,095 52,372
49 9 48,161 49,606 50,846
48 46,759 48,161 49,365
47 45,397 46,759 47,927
46 44,074 45,397 46,532
45 42,791 44,074 45,176
44 41,545 42,791 43,861
43 8 40,335 41,545 42,583
42 39,159 40,334 41,343
41 38,019 39,160 40,139
40 36,911 38,019 38,969
39 35,837 36,912 37,835
38 34,813 35,858 36,754
37 33,779 34,793 35,663
36 32,796 33,780 34,624
35 7 31,840 32,795 33,615
34 30,913 31,840 32,636
33 30,012 30,912 31,685
32 29,139 30,013 30,763
31 28,289 29,138 29,866
30 27,466 28,290 28,997
29 6 26,666 27,466 28,152
28 25,889 26,665 27,332
27 25,134 25,888 26,536
26 24,403 25,135 25,763
25 23,692 24,403 25,013
24 23,002 23,692 24,284
23 22,332 23,002 23,577
22 21,682 22,332 22,891
21 5 21,050 21,681 22,223
20 20,458 21,072 21,599
19 19,841 20,436 20,947
18 19,264 19,841 20,338
17 18,702 19,263 19,745
16 18,165 18,710 19,177
15 4 17,651 18,180 18,635
14 17,152 17,667 18,109
13 16,669 17,169 17,598
12 16,199 16,684 17,102
11 15,743 16,215 16,621
10 3 15,300 15,759 16,153
9 14,869 15,315 15,698
8 14,462 14,896 15,2697 14,069 14,491 14,8536 13,739 14,159 14,5135 2 13,368 13,788 14,1334 13,008 13,428 13,7643 12,710 13,130 13,4592 12,371 12,791 13,1111 12,041 12,461 12,773