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Overview
The Clinical Trials Research Unit section in the Division of Population Health based in the School of Medicine and Population Health is seeking to recruit a Research Assistant in Medical Statistics (Grade 6) or Research Associate in Medical Statistics (Grade 7) who has a passion for statistics (and applied research) and a willingness to share their passion, enthusiasm and knowledge with others.
You will have good knowledge of applied statistics and clinical trial methodology. You will have good programming skills and experience of working with complex datasets. You will exhibit a “can do” attitude to new activities knowing your strengths and skills whilst being flexible and able to adapt to change.
You will be able to communicate effectively with non-statisticians, and be able to clearly explain complex statistical concepts in lay terms. You will provide timely and high-quality statistical input and leadership to research projects, including input to the design, analysis, and reporting of studies.
With exceptional interpersonal skills you will relate well to others in the team establishing good working relationships, and provide training to statistical colleagues.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Undertake the statistical analysis of research projects (primarily randomised controlled trials) in line with pre-defined statistical analysis plans and contribute to their reporting and dissemination, under the supervision of a senior statistician.
- Draft (Grade 7) or contribute to drafting (Grade 6) statistical analysis plans for trials, in line with the analysis outlined in the protocol and grant application, under the supervision of a senior statistician.
- Provide (Grade 7) or assist with providing (Grade 6) high-quality statistical advice and support to multidisciplinary research projects within the Division of Population Health, under the supervision of a senior statistician.
- Write up (Grade 7) or contribute to the writing of (Grade 6) study outputs which will inform academic publications in high-quality journals.
- Develop (Grade 6) or continually update (Grade 7) knowledge and understanding of medical statistics in line with advances in the relevant subject area.
- Attend and participate in relevant department meetings.
- Share knowledge and skills with colleagues.
Teaching
- Contribute to teaching statistics in tutorials to undergraduate and postgraduate students in the School with training provided, as appropriate.
Planning and Organising
- Assist with the high-quality delivery of research studies within agreed timescales.
- Prioritise tasks and allocate time to different studies as appropriate.
- Undertake advance planning to meet deadlines for study milestones and dissemination of results.
- Contribute to the development (Grade 6) or develop (Grade 7) materials for research study meetings as requested.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
| Criteria | Essential or desirable | Stage(s) assessed at |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate and MSc qualification (or near completion) in a subject containing substantial statistical content. | Essential | Application |
| Minimum of 2 years work experience in clinical trials, or a closely related discipline. | Essential (Grade 7) | Application |
| Sound understanding of the scientific principles of randomised controlled trials and trials methodology, including the design, interpretation and reporting. | Essential | Application & interview |
| Awareness of the principles of good clinical practice and of regulatory and ethics requirements of clinical trials. | Desirable (Grade 6); Essential (Grade 7) | Application & interview |
| Statistical programming experience in either Stata or R, including complex statistical analyses such as linear mixed models, and | Essential | Application & interview |
| Experience creating automated statistical reports and other relevant output from within statistical software. | Desirable (Grade 6); Essential (Grade 7) | Application & interview |
| Experience in contributing to trial protocols and the writing of statistical analysis plans and setting up randomisation systems for new trials. | Essential (Grade 7) | Application & interview |
| Track record of publications in clinical and methodological journals. | Desirable (Grade 6); Essential (Grade 7) | Application & interview |
| Grade 6: Track record of working efficiently within a team. Grade 7: Track record of working efficiently within a multidisciplinary team, including trial managers, clinicians, health economists, statisticians and methodologists. | Essential | Application & interview |
| Excellent communication skills, including report writing and experience of delivering presentations | Essential | Application & interview |
| Ability to acquire new skills and knowledge where necessary (including technical expertise and experience) to facilitate the success of the current study and the development of CTRU generally. | Essential | Application & interview |
| Ability to independently assess and organise resources, plan and progress work activities and work to deadlines | Essential | Application & interview |
Further Information
Grade
Grade 6 or Grade 7, depending on experience
Salary
Grade 6:
£32,080 - £36,636 per annum. Potential to progress to £39,906 per annum through sustained exceptional contribution.
Grade 7:
£38,784 - £47,389 per annum. Potential to progress to £51,753 per annum through sustained exceptional contribution.
Work arrangement
- Full-time
- Hybrid working with a minimum of 60% of working days are expected to be undertaken on site, to be agreed with the successful candidate.
Duration
18 months fixed term
Line manager
Senior Research Fellow/Medical Statistician
Direct reports
N/A
Our website
Clinical Trials Research Unit | CTRU | The University of Sheffield
For informal enquiries about this job contact Ines Rombach, Senior Statistician at the Sheffield Clinical Trials Research Unit: i.rombach@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in December 2026. This will consist of an interview and an exercise. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact dph-section-operations@sheffield.ac.uk.
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
What we offer
- A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
- Generous pension scheme.
- A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
- A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- access to menopause support in the workplace
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Closing Date : 27/11/2026
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We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.
