IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Division:
Department:
Location:
Research Associate/Data Analyst
Division of Infectious Diseases, (National Centre for
Infection Prevention and Management (CIPM) and School of Public Health, Department of Primary Care (PCPH))
Medicine
Hammersmith Campus and St Mary’s Campus (with travel between Imperial College sites required)
Job Family/Level:
Salary:
Duration:
Reporting to:
Academic and Research, Level B
£32,100 per annum
Full-time, fixed term until 1 July 2014
Prof Alison Holmes (Infectious Diseases; CIPM)
Dr Lydia Drumright (Infectious Diseases; CIPM)
Dr Paul Aylin (Department of Primary Care and Public
Health; CIPM)
Works closely with: Prof Peter Openshaw (National Heart and Lung Institute,
Principal Investigator)
Prof Deborah Ashby (Medical Statistics and Clinical Trials)
Dr Laura Garcia Alvarez, (MOSAIC Data Analyst, CIPM)
Other MOSAIC work package investigators, who may include: Prof. Andrew McMichael (Oxford); Prof. Maria
Zambon (Director of HPA Centre for Infections); Prof. Paul
Kellam (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Head of
Virology), Prof. Bill Cookson ( Associate Head of the
National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial); David Hume
(Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh); Wendy Barclay
(Chair of Influenza Virology, Imperial); Prof Bill Carmen
(Edinburgh); Dr. David Heymann (Chairman of the Board
HPA); Prof. Stephen Holgate (Southampton); Prof. Mike
Levin (Director of the Wellcome Centre for Clinical Tropical
Medicine, Imperial).
The Context
Imperial College London and collaborating institutes have been awarded Wellcome
Trust funding to complete research to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of influenza. We have assembled a team of 42 leading UK investigators in epidemiology, virology, immunology, cellular biology, bacteriology and statistics to maximize combined expertise for the intensive study of patients with influenza.

The collaborative network is conducting an integrated study of influenza virology,host
RNA transcriptome and cellular and humoral immune responses, and clinical outcome in influenza viral infection. All patients have been tested for levels of soluble mediators (cytokines and chemokines) in various body fluids and received extensive virology testing, including full-length genome sequencing of any isolated influenza, allowing for the cross correlation of extensive clinical and epidemiological data . These data will be linked to the study of the host genome and the bacterial and viral microbiota present in the respiratory tract as disease evolves. Use of hospitalised individuals from two waves of the pH1N1 epidemic will lead to a wealth of information and will lead to a unique overview of how influenza causes illness and what might be done to improve patient management.
The ultimate goal of this study is to provide critical information for improved patient management and care, development of new and effective treatments and to develop better vaccines that can be used in future outbreaks.
The post
This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with a PhD in an analytic field such as, but not limited to, epidemiology, statistics, systems biology or a related subject, who has already begun to establish their career in infectious disease research. The post-holder will support statistical analyses, for integrating data from different project components to provide more inclusive understanding of influenza pathogenesis. The post holder will also help to facilitate analytic quality and consistency across the whole programme. The post holder will also support management of the data cleaning house, data validation, and processing of data requests.
The main purpose of this post is to provide analytic and database support to work packages to intergrate data statistically that predict disease outcome. This may include making links between clinical, immunologic, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses during viral infection to determine how the viral genotype/phenotype and the host immune response determine clinical outcome; hypotheses testing about clinical and epidemiological features associated with severe disease including age, gender, pre-existing asthma or other chronic respiratory disease and pregnancy. It will also include working within the database team to ensure data quality and accuracy across the entire study.
The individual appointed, with other members of the analytic team (Drs. Lydia
Drumright, Laura Garcia-Alvarez, and Prof. Deborah Ashby), will provide the lynchpin that brings large and complex datasets together to support analysis across the whole programme. The successful applicant will focus on analyses of data, the design of innovative methodologies and approaches, the maintenance of databases, and data quality and accuracy. There is also plenty of scope for additional original research within this data-rich environment including opportunities to build on existing work at
Imperial College that is linking other NHS databases to improve surveillance and opportunities for developing a more permanent role within CIPM.
The post holder will be a member of both the National Centre for Infection Prevention and Management (CIPM) (Directed by Professors Alison Holmes and Jon Friedland) within the Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunity (Head, Professor Jon
Friedland) and the Department of Primary Care and Public Health (Head, Professor
Azeem Majeed) in the School of Public Health (Head, Professor Elio Riboli within the
Faculty of Medicine at Imperial College London. The appointee will be based at the
Hammersmith Hospital in White City. The successful candidate will be expected to play a full and active role in the academic life of the Departments.

This is a full-time post until 31 July 2104, subject to probationary review after six months. The post holder may share an office with other post doctoral researchers, and can expect to frequently travel between Imperial Campus.
Main Duties :
Analysis and Research

To develop high quality statistical analysis plans and support hypothesis generation for the MOSAIC dataset
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To provide early preliminary analysis reports to shape further investigations
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To present results of study findings in publications and conference proceedings
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To collaborate with other researchers to share and analyse data within the databases
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To identify complementary databases and analyses for expanding the capacity of
MOSAIC
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To assist in the maintenance of databases
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To conduct data validation and entry of correct data where necessary
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To prepare datasets for study investigators
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To participate in other associated research projects as appropriate
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To participate in the academic life of the project/Centre/Department through involvement in meetings, seminars and other research activities.
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Development, writing, and submission of future grant applications either collaboratively or independently
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Provide expert advice on statistical modelling and analysis as required
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Provide teaching support for MSc and doctoral students in statistical and epidemiological analyses
Collaboration and Liaison
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To liaise frequently with the MOSAIC Statistical Analysis Team and work package members, providing progress reports and information as required

To work closely with other Centres including the Centre for Respiratory Infection and the Centre for Infection Prevention and Management

To work closely with collaborators in Liverpool and Nottingham particularly in relation to the use of FLU-CIN, FLU-WATCH Data and with other DoH FLU-CIN
Centres


To liaise with other related bodies in relation to the project, representing the
Centre at relevant internal and external meetings

Attend regular meetings and teleconferences to discuss study progress
Staff Management

To take responsibility for training and development of self and others working on epidemiological and statistical analyses within MOSAIC and CIPM
Development and management of a database for the management of clinical specimens

To contribute to the overall strategy on data storage and access to data
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To support maintenance and backup of databases
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To support data quality control
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To champion the acquisition and linkage of different datasets.
To observe and comply with all College policies and regulations, including the key policies and procedures on Confidentiality, Conflict of Interest, Data
Protection, Equal Opportunities, Financial Regulations, Health and Safety,
Imperial Expectations (for new leaders, managers and supervisors),
Information Technology, Private Engagements and Register of Interests, and
Smoking.
To undertake specific safety responsibilities relevant to individual roles, as set out on the College Website Health and Safety Structure and Responsibilities
page (http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/safety/policies/organisationandarrangements)
Job descriptions cannot be exhaustive and the post-holder may be required to undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key
responsibilities.
Imperial College is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating discrimination. All employees are expected to adhere to the principles set out in its Equal Opportunities in Employment Policy, Promoting Race Equality
Policy and all other relevant guidance/practice frameworks.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential

PhD or equivalent in a quantitative science such as, Epidemiology, Statistics,
Systems Biology, or a related subject, and experience conducting advanced statistical analyses
EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE
Essential

Research experience in infectious diseases, immunology, or a related field
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Competence in STATA, R, SAS or S-plus
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Experience cleaning and analysing different types of data
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Expertise in conducting and interpreting a wide range of analytic procedures
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Experience in the management and analysis of complex data
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Excellent analytic skills
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Success in delivering research results as demonstrated through a track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
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Demonstrable track record of independent research and a growing national reputation as demonstrated through papers or grants or an ability to transition to independence
Desirable
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Record of successful application for research grants
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Experience in developing statistical techniques
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Database development or management experience
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Knowledge of human immunology

Experience working in influenza research

Experience with Bayesian analysis methods

SKILLS
Essential

Ability to communicate with and organise a wide range of people in an appropriate manner
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Ability to write peer-reviewed manuscripts and reports in a clear and concise manner
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Excellent attention to detail
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Excellent statistical skills
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Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Access, Excel and Outlook
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Ability to work constructively and effectively within a team
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Ability to work independently and use initiative
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Ability to prioritise a varied workload and work under pressure to meet deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy
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Ability to adhere to research and ethics protocols and maintain study deadlines
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Ability to use bibliographic/database software
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Ability to analyse data in one or more of the following statistical packages: R,
STATA, S-Plus, SAS.

Flexible attitude toward working hours and ability to work to deadlines

Ability to communicate complex information clearly

Application Guidance
Please read the person specification carefully and describe, as part of your application, how much you feel you meet each of the criteria. If you need more space, please attach additional sheets to the application form.
The recruitment monitoring section of your application will be detached and will be used only for monitoring and audit purposes as a basis for supporting our commitment to Equal Opportunities.
An application form and full CV quoting reference number HM2013091 should be sent online via the Imperial College iRecruitment website.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted as soon as possible after the closing date.
Thank you for your interest in this post. We look forward to receiving your application.