Job description and person specification
Summary details
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MRC Biostatistics Unit
Evidence Synthesis to Inform Health
Senior Investigator Statistician
£36,657 – £43,089 per annum
Band 3
Fixed term
Full time
Detailed job description
Overall purpose:
To lead on a number of projects within the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU)
“Evaluation of Interventions” collaboration between the MRC BSU, Bristol University and Public
Health England.
The post-holder will join a team working on the Evidence Synthesis for Health research
programme led by Dr Daniela De Angelis. The overall aim of this programme is to advance
existing knowledge on evidence synthesis methodology while addressing substantive problems
in the epidemiology of infection diseases. The ultimate goal is to provide accurate and timely
quantitative support to the implementation and evaluation of public health policies.
Within this context, the work in the NIHR HPRU collaboration is particularly focussed on the
building of the evidence base needed to inform interventions. Current topics of interest include
estimation of prevalence and incidence of blood-borne infections (e.g. hepatitis B and C) and
the characterisation and prediction of antimicrobial resistance. These will involve the synthesis
of data from multiple sources; of different types (e.g. epidemiological and genetic); at
different levels of aggregation; and from biased observational studies and/or biased
surveillance sources.
To drive an ambitious research agenda for the next 3-5 years in the context of the work of the
research group.
To play a major role in the work of the research group, through the conduct of research,
introduction of new ideas, dissemination of research results, support and training of others.
To contribute to the strategic development of the group and of the Unit overall.
To be a focus of expertise on methods for synthesising multiple sources of evidence in complex
probabilistic models and their application to epidemiology and public health.
Main duties / key responsibilities:
Main duties
Under the general leadership of the Programme Leader, to be responsible for all aspects of the
research projects, including conducting the research, analysing the data, preparing the work
for publication and disseminating the results at meetings, defining the direction of the work,
managing and developing collaborations within the Evaluation of Intervention HPRU and other
relevant HPRUs.
To present work at seminars within the MRC BSU Unit and at external meetings.
To contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication, and to take responsibility
Investigator Scientist Job description & person specification
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for some publications.
To disseminate research findings in the form of publications, presentations, and reports to
support the QQR mission of MRC BSU and
To identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives.
To keep up to date with developments in the field, proposing or implementing changes of
direction as necessary.
To work in collaboration with others to achieve joint research projects.
To train students, post docs and others, and line management of group members where
appropriate.
To contribute to the MRC’s engagement with the public and in the translation of research
findings into improvements in health care.
Key Responsibilities
The key responsibility is to undertake cutting edge research, aimed at key questions within the
remit of the research collaboration. They will be expected to provide the intellectual energy and
independent thinking necessary to deliver the research and to play a major role in shaping the
overall aims and success of the group.
The post holder will be expected to have the skill and understanding to be able to act
independently in solving problems, many of which may require novel approaches. This will
require the integration of different ideas and activities to ensure the successful delivery of the
research projects.
To work in collaboration with others within the Unit as well as independently in his or her own
area of expertise. This will require solving problems that entail novel approaches and the
integration of different ideas and activities to ensure the successful completion of research
goals.
To interact effectively with a wide range of staff, students and others to ensure the smooth
running of the research group. This will include setting an example in the effective use of
resources and training others.
To disseminate research results through publication of research papers.
To present at national and international scientific meetings.
To ensure the research is conducted in accordance with good practice and in compliance with
local policies and legal requirements.
To recognise opportunities for the creation of intellectual property and to cooperate in patent
protection and in exploitation.
To secure appropriate external funding and hence staffing and resources for the overall project,
to include preparing grant applications for external funding and developing protocols.
Managing existing collaborations, and establish new collaborations, both within the unit and
with external establishments.
A broad balanced and informed perspective of current scientific issues especially those
pertaining directly to the area of statistical and translational genomics.
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To supervise or co-supervise of PhD students or manage junior staff, as required.
Line management responsibilities will be undertaken; these responsibilities, to include staff
development and performance management, should be applied in accordance with the MRC’s
policies and procedures. Training will be given if necessary.
To contribute to the Unit’s strategy for public communication of science.
Working relationships:
The postholder will report to Dr Daniela De Angelis and will liaise with other Research Support
staff, post-doctoral scientists and students within the research programme and across the Unit.
In addition, the postholder will be responsible to for the interaction with external collaborators
within the Evaluation of Intervention HPRU and other HPRUs as appropriate.
Equality & Diversity
The MRC values the diverse skills and experience of its employees and is committed to
achieving equality of treatment for all. Our objectives are that all individuals shall have equal
opportunities for employment and advancement on the basis of their skills, aptitudes and
abilities. The MRC is committed to the engagement and retention of the best possible talent
and to creating an environment that encourages excellence in scientific research through good
equalities and diversity leadership and management.
Corporate/Local responsibilities & requirements
The job holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the MRC’s:
 Code of Conduct
 Equality and Diversity policy
 Health and Safety policy
 Data Protection and Security policy
Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal.
changes should be made and agreed between the post holder and their manager.
Any
The above lists are not exhaustive and the job holder is required to undertake such duties as
may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post. All employees are required to act
professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post and the
MRC.
Person requirements
Education / Qualifications / Training required:
Essential:
PhD in Statistics or a relevant subject.
Desirable:
PhD related to statistical methods for evidence synthesis
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Previous work experience required:
Essential:
Substantial postdoctoral research experience in biostatistical research, both methodological and
applied, particularly in Bayesian methods, meta-analysis and synthesis of evidence,
demonstrated by publications in the field.
Desirable:
Relevant work in the area of infectious diseases
Knowledge and experience:
Specific Research Skills
Essential:
Thorough knowledge, both theoretical and practical, of statistical inference and, particularly,
Bayesian inferential methods. Demonstrable ability to contribute effectively to collaborative
research projects. Ability to develop complex probabilistic models, which may include mixed
and random effects hierarchical components.
Desirable:
Experience of knowledge transfer, through training of colleagues and through dissemination of
methods through e.g. code sharing.
Statistical Software
Essential:
Experienced user of statistical software (e.g. R)
Desirable:
Experienced user of Bayesian statistical software(e.g. WinBUGS/OpenBUGS/JAGS/STAN).Wide
experience and sound knowledge of programming languages (C++).
Creativity and Initiative
Essential:
Demonstrable ability to develop new solutions/methodologies which have added value to
scientific work. Scientific recognition in the relevant field.
Desirable:
An interest and past experience in pursuing independent research projects in biostatistics.
Independent working
Essential:
Proven skills in working independently to solve statistical problems and to contribute to the
efficient conduct of collaborative work. Ability to prioritise tasks.
Desirable:
Verbal and written communication skills
Essential:
Solid experience in presenting scientific work, both written and orally.
Significant publication record, including first author publications in relevant field.
Successfully presented at seminars and/or conferences
Desirable:
Track record of scientific papers on evidence synthesis for infectious diseases.
Mentoring
Essential:
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Has some experience of translational activity (teaching, mentoring, others)
Desirable:
Has experience of supervision/Line management experience
Collaborations/ Influencing Skills
Essential:
Has strong skills and experience in working collaboratively within this specific scientific research
field.
Desirable:
Strong record of organisational skills
Personal skills/behaviours/qualities:
Essential:
Excellent standards of Research Conduct, Highly-motivated, Strong team player, Capable of
taking independent decisions, Collaborative, Ability to prioritize.
Desirable:
Ability to motivate and set standards for others
Additional information:
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