Job Description

Position Details

Department of Applied Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £42,254.

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to September 2029

Closing date: 21st July 2026

Background

To contribute to the creation of sample size calculations for Individual Participant Data (IPD) meta-analysis projects by undertaking a range methodology research activities within an NIHR-MRC funded project, including the production of analytic solutions, simulation studies, software tools and training materials.

• Work within the specified NIHR-MRC funded research grant to develop sample size calculations for IPD meta-analysis projects and contribute to writing-up findings for publication, tutorials, social media, training courses and further bids
• Operate within area of IPD meta-analysis research to contribute to the development of novel sample size calculations, whilst working effectively with other methodologists, clinical collaborators and patient groups
• Lead the development and delivery of training courses for different stakeholders Create, analyse and interpret research findings and results, including analytic solutions, simulation studies and real case studies
• Contribute to the development of software modules in packages such as R, Stata and PythonContribute to generating funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data, both from simulation studies and real case studies
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars, training courses etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Foster a fair and equitable workplace for all staff
• Identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant university policies and procedures
• Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity duties document.

Person Specification

• An MSc or PhD in Medical Statistics or Biostatistics, or a subject with appropriate statistical training relevant to the research area
• High level analytical capability and software programming skills in R, Stata or Python
• Experience of working on methodology solutions to improve health research
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly, including to patient groups supporting the research project
• Knowledge of the pros and cons of IPD meta-analysis projects, and the importance of sample size calculations in medical research
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project, including training courses
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics and duties under the Equality Act 2010. Including fostering good relations and advancing the universities Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED).
• Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity knowledge, skills and experience document.

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Richard Riley, email: r.d.riley@bham.ac.uk

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyoneon our website