Faculty of Medicine and Health
School of Medicine
Leeds Institute of Health Sciences
Academic Unit of Health Economics (AUHE)
Research Fellow or Research Assistant in Healthcare Decision Modelling
Full time - Fixed term for 3 years (further funding may be available)
We are looking for an enthusiastic and talented academic researcher who will focus on decision modelling to enable the economic evaluation of healthcare interventions. This post is available immediately. This is an opportunity to join a thriving health economic research team with a commitment to supporting and developing its members and which offers excellent opportunities for career development. We have a wide portfolio of funded research projects which provides the opportunity to gain experience in a broad range of health economic methods and their application and further develop your own areas of expertise and interests.
The Unit’s research projects span a variety of therapeutic areas (including oncology, rheumatology, public and mental health) and we have developed key strategic relationships which will allow the pursuit of methodological research in technology appraisal. For example, we are part of the Leeds-based NIHR
Diagnostics Evidence Co-operative ( http://www.nihr.ac.uk/infrastructure/Pages/DECs.aspx
) for which we have adopted a philosophy of decision modelling early in the development pathway for in-vitro diagnostics.
We also work closely with the Medical Technologies Innovation and Knowledge Centre
( http://www.medical-technologies.co.uk/ ) and the University of Leeds Stratified Medicine Hub
( http://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/125114/stratified_medicine ).
You will support the further development of our portfolio of research in evidence synthesis, technology appraisal and model-based economic evaluation. You must have experience or training in the quantitative and computational methods needed for decision modelling including competence with relevant software or programming tools. Those applying at Research Fellow level should have significant experience in decision modelling. A suitable background might include economics, statistics, business, operations research, informatics, decision science or applied programming. Experience in health economics is desirable but not essential if you can bring alternative valuable skills to the position.
The University of Leeds is committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offers a range of family friendly policies ( http://hr.leeds.ac.uk/homepage/4/policies ). The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN and holds the Bronze award. The School of Medicine gained the Bronze award in 2013. We are committed to being an inclusive medical school that values all staff, and we are happy to consider job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our employees.
Research Assistant - University Grade 6 (£25,513 – £30,434 p.a.); or Research Fellow - University
Grade 7 (£31,342-£37,394 p.a.) depending upon qualifications and relevant experience

Interviews will be held on Tuesday, 25 August 2015
Informal enquiries regarding the post should be directed Professor Claire Hulme, Head of Unit,
Academic Unit of Health Economics, Tel: +44 (0) 113 343 0875, c.t.hulme@leeds.ac.uk
.
If you have any specific enquiries about your online application please contact Sue Davis, Tel + 44
(0) 113 3430831, s.davis@leeds.ac.uk
Job Ref: MHIHS1049 Closing Date: 12 August 2015

Purpose of the post
We wish to further strengthen our portfolio of health economics research. With this in mind, the post holder will support the Unit’s research programme and your main activities will include reviewing literature, managing study data and preparing it for analyses, preparing initial drafts of reports and assisting with analyses. You will also prepare results for publication and for presentation at national and international conferences. As a member of the Unit, you will be actively encouraged to develop your own research interests.
Main duties and responsibilities
Research Assistant Grade 6
You will work closely with other members of the Unit and will be responsible for aspects of the
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 day-to-day running of health economics work programme including:
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Undertaking literature reviews of applied and/or theoretical literature.
Managing study data and preparing it for analysis
Contributing to analyses of study data
Preparing initial drafts of reports
Undertaking initial analyses and interpretation of research data
Preparing results for publication in refereed journals
Presenting findings of research in a range of suitable formats for a variety of audiences
Generating research output and contribute to the generation of independent and original ideas, as appropriate
Contributing to the design of a successful programme of investigation
Evaluating methods and techniques used and results obtained by other researchers and to relate such evaluations appropriately to your own work
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Assisting with any other duties of a similar nature that are delegated by senior staff members
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Advise on and assist with project planning; monitoring and updating plans throughout the projects. This will typically involve:
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Prioritising project tasks, estimating future requirements and managing conflicts, and highlighting any problems. This activity is required to ensure the projects deliver on time, to budget and to the required quality standard.
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Monitor the progress of projects including current and planned project timelines, data collection and data quality. Flagging problems to the workpackage lead or raising them at project team meetings, working with your supervisor to identify and implement appropriate solutions, and taking appropriate action to ensure that documentation and study procedures are updated to reflect any changes.
For appointment at Grade 7 candidates will be responsible for aspects of the day-to-day running of the health economics works programme including:
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Liaising with health professionals within Leeds Institute of Health Sciences
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Contributing to the development of applied and methodological research proposals
Analysing study data and developing decision models with minimal supervision
Preparing reports
Preparing results and presenting them at national and international conferences
Communicating or presenting research results through publication or other recognised
 forms of output for example international conferences
Generating and pursuing independent and original research ideas in the appropriate subject area
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Designing and conducting a programme of investigation in consultation with the principal investigator, as appropriate

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Evaluating methods and techniques used and results obtained by other researchers and to relating such evaluations appropriately to their own work
Understanding broader issues relating to the management of research
Taking part in knowledge-transfer activities, where appropriate and feasible
Contributing to the supervision of junior researchers, as appropriate
Maintaining own continuing professional development and act as a mentor to less experienced colleagues, as appropriate
Maintaining a safe work environment, including ensuring compliance with legislation and the undertaking of risk assessments
Undertaking any other duties commensurate with the post as requested by the Director of
Institute or nominee
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Manage the successful delivery of projects against the plan and in-line with changes in protocol or schedule. This will require a flexible and innovative approach to problem solving and active risk management, involving the development of creative solutions to mitigate against or manage risk.
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Develop a timetable with agreed objectives in order to achieve project objectives.
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Plan and prioritise activities, monitoring project progress to ensure project deadlines are met.
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Manage and report project progress through project documentation and the use of appropriate visualisation techniques.
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Contribute to management and development of projects – including contributing to the decision making of the work of the team in order to progress key project milestones identified.
Teaching
Candidates may be involved in limited teaching as is customary for research staff within the
Institute, if the demands of the research projects allow and according to your experience and interests. No previous experience in teaching is required. Training and support in teaching will be provided as appropriate.
Relationships
You will be located in an Academic Unit of Health Economics and will be responsible to the Head of the Unit and accountable to the Institute Director and ultimately to the Dean of Medicine and
Health. You will be expected to work with other research members in addition to developing your specific research activities.
University Values
All staff are expected to operate in line with the univer sity’s values and standards, which work as an integral part of our strategy and set out the principles of how we work together. More information about the university’s strategy and values is available at http://www.leeds.ac.uk/comms/strategy/

Person Specification for the appointment at Grade 6
Essential
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Undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications (or about to complete) in health economics, economics or related discipline
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Evidence of previous research experience
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Familiarity with handling quantitative data especially sampling data analysis and regression analysis
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Ability to work not only within the team but also to work and think independently and to contribute to the planning of a programme of research
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Effective interpersonal, organisational skills and time management skills with the ability to prioritise work and maintain a high level of accuracy
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Computer literate; conversant with a range general software (e.g. Excel) and specific software
(e.g. STATA, R, SPSS)
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Substantially numerate with highly developed analytical abilities – notably a range of descriptive and inferential statistical skills
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Able to prioritise work and meet deadlines in a changing and uncertain environment
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Excellent communication and presentation skills
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Evidence of good written and verbal communication skills
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Willingness to undertake appropriate training and administration
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Ability to work unsupervised and to use initiative
Desirable
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Experience of health economics research and decision modelling in particular
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Experience of carrying out systematic reviews and evidence synthesis
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Effective project management skills
Person Specification for appointment at Grade 7
Essential
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A First degree and PhD in health economics, economics or related discipline or equivalent experience
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Evidence of previous research experience
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Considerable expertise in decision modelling and experience of developing decision models with minimal supervision
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Evidence of an ability to write to a standard required for research reports/publications
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Publications covering decision modelling/technology appraisal in refereed journals
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Experience of conference presentations
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Familiarity with handling quantitative data especially sampling data analysis and regression analysis
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Computer literate; conversant with a range general software (e.g. Excel) and specific software
(e.g. STATA, R, SPSS)
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Substantially numerate with highly developed analytical abilities
– notably a range of descriptive and inferential statistical skills
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Ability to work not only within the team but also to work and think independently and to contribute to the planning of a programme of research
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Proven ability to work effectively and responsibly without close supervision
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Effective interpersonal, organisational skills and time management skills with the ability to prioritise work and maintain a high level of accuracy
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Able to prioritise work and meet deadlines in a changing and uncertain environment
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Excellent communication and presentation skills
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Evidence of good written and verbal communication skills
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Willingness to undertake appropriate training and administration
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Ability to work unsupervised and to use initiative

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Commitment to own continuous professional development
Desirable
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Ability to contribute to teaching
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Experience of carrying out systematic reviews and evidence synthesis
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Effective project management skills

Further information
Faculty Information
With more than 6,000 students, 1,600 staff and annual research income of £50m, the Faculty of
Medicine and Health at Leeds is bigger than some universities. Leeds has one of the largest medical and bioscience research bases in the UK, and is an acknowledged world leader in cancer, cardiovascular, psychiatric, genetic, musculo-skeletal and health services research. Treatments developed in Leeds are transforming the lives of people around the world living with conditions such as HIV, TB, diabetes and malaria.
The School of Medicine
The School of Medicine at the University of Leeds is a major international centre for research and education. Our ambition is to improve health and reduce health inequalities, locally and globally, through excellent scientific research and the translation of that research into healthcare practice, and through the education of future scientific and clinical leaders who will advocate and practise an evidence-based approach. Our major strategic aims are to:
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Deliver outstanding research including basic discovery science through to applied health research that makes a significant difference to health.
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Produce exceptional graduates, clinicians, educators, doctoral and post-doctoral fellows whose learning has been informed and inspired by our research excellence and who will form the next generation of academic and clinical leaders.
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Develop and support knowledge transfer activities that flow from our academic activities.
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Create and maintain an efficient and sustainable environment for research and teaching within an organisational culture and management style that enacts and supports the univers ity’s core values of community, inclusiveness, integrity and professionalism.
The School of Medicine is organised into seven Institutes. All are committed to high quality research-led teaching, through their training of postgraduate research students, delivery of postgraduate taught courses, and its leadership in undergraduate teaching. The School works closely with the local NHS, having a number of jointly funded clinical posts to ensure this relationship is effective and strong for both research and student education.
Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine (LICAMM), Director: Professor
Mark Kearney
LICAMM integrates basic and clinical scientists with a common goal of understanding the mechanisms underpinning common chronic diseases of human health and developing new approaches to treating patients at an individual and population level. At the heart of LICAMMs philosophy is a vibrant multidisciplinary approach to science that provides a platform to deliver internationally competitive translational research and teaching in disorders including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases) our key aim is to improve the lives of our patients and the experience of our students.
Leeds Institute of Health Sciences (LIHS) Director: Professor Timothy Ensor
LIHS delivers problem-driven research that supports decisions about the content or delivery of healthcare. Our interdisciplinary approach incorporates expertise in applied health research designs, health implementation sciences, social sciences, health economics, informatics and statistics, as well as skills in communicating with basic scientists, policy makers, healthcare providers, public and patients. We conduct research at the individual, population and organisational level.
Leeds Institute of Medical Education (LIME) Director: Professor Trudie Roberts
LIME provides the administrative support, co-ordination and leadership for the School of
Medicine’s undergraduate medical degree, including admissions, curriculum development, assessment, student support and clinical placement liaison. It provides the technology-enhanced

learning and innovation support for the School of Medicine. LIME also has a very active scholarship programme of research and innovation in medical education and uses its expertise to influence medical education policy and practice nationally and internationally. To achieve this it works with a range of stakeholders including the academic community, the profession, the public, regulators and policy makers.
The Leeds Institute of Cancer And Pathology (LICAP) Director: Professor Tim Bishop
The Leeds Institute of Cancer Studies and Pathology addresses both laboratory based and clinical research into cancer with a major focus on translational science. LICAP is one of the largest cancer Institutes in the country and has major financial support from the cancer charities. The laboratories and clinical research are all based on the St James’s site with laboratory activities being located in the Wellcome Trust Brenner Building and adjacent buildings while the clinical work is based within Bexley Wing. The Institute consists of seven Sections with the following interests:
Leeds Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences (LIBACS) Director: Professor Philip
Hopkins
LIBCS undertakes clinically-driven research from the level of the gene through cellular, tissue and organ to clinical trials. Our vision is to develop a sustainable centre of excellence for the advancement of patient care by translating research results into clinical practise and contributing to medical education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Our research interests are encapsulated in 6 clinical themes (Gastrointestinal inflammation & tumorigenesis, Genetic disorders, Infection & immunity, Neuroscience, Perinatal medicine, Perioperative outcomes & technologies) underpinned by 4 generic science technology strands (Animal models, Cell biology,
Gene regulations & Genomics). We are based predominantly at the St James’s University Hospital site.
Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine (LIRMM), Director: Professor
Paul Emery
LIRMM is dedicated to improving diagnosis, therapy, intervention and outcome across the spectrum of rheumatic and musculoskeletal medicine. It boasts a dynamic portfolio of research and education, delivering wide-ranging clinical, translational and basic research across five
Sections: Clinical Musculoskeletal Medicine, Experimental Musculoskeletal Medicine, Clinical
Biomechanics and Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation Medicine and Orthopaedics. A multidisciplinary approach is the core of our activities, with significant interdisciplinary links between
Experimental and Clinical research. LIRMM’s clinical activities are focussed at Chapel Allerton
Hospital, which is also base for our NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit (LMBRU) and our basic sciences at St James’s University Hospital.
Leeds Institute of Clinical Trials Research (LICTR) Director: Professor Julia Brown
LICTR delivers innovative design, delivery and knowledge transfer in clinical trials research. Our multidisciplinary approach, in collaboration with basic scientists, clinicians, policy makers, healthcare providers, public and patients and University colleagues, delivers internationally competitive research and teaching that makes a significant contribution to the evidence base for healthcare delivery. The Institutes research is conducted through the Clinical Trials Research Unit where we have expertise in design and conduct of complex clinical trials incorporating novel designs to evaluate CTIMPs, complex interventions, diagnostics, medical devices and surgery.
St James’s University Hospital Campus Infrastructure and Facilities (SCIF) Director:
Professor Pam Jones
This group covers activities t hat cover School of Medicine functions for Institutes at St James’s
University Hospital that span more than one institute including biomedical research facilities, student education, IT, health and safety, estates, seminars, PGR studentships and business support functions. These functions help support the 5 adjacent buildings on the site.

There are 3 Institutes with staff and students at St James’s: LICP (Leeds Institute of Cancer studies and Pathology), LIBACS (Leeds Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences), LIRMM
(Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine). These three institutes are dedicated to basic, translational, clinical and health research integrated with student education.
Additional Information
Terms and Conditions
Details of the terms and conditions of employment for all staff at the university, including information on pensions and benefits, are available on the Human Resources web pages accessible via the links on the right hand side, or at http://hr.leeds.ac.uk/policies
Disclosure and Barring Service Checks
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check is not required for this position. However, applicants who have unspent convictions must indicate this in the ‘other personal details’ section of the application form and send details to the Recruitment Officer
Disabled Applicants
The post is located in the Charles Thackrah Building. Disabled applicants wishing to review access to the building are invited to contact the department direct. Additional information may be sought from the Recruitment Officer, email disclosure@leeds.ac.uk
or tel + 44 (0)113 343 1723.
Disabled applicants are not obliged to inform employers of their disability but will still be covered by the Equality Act once their disability becomes known.
Further information for applicants with disabilities, impairments or health conditions is available in the applicant guidance.