Research Assistant (Maternity Cover)

The principal aim of the post is to assist in the conduct of a statistical and epidemiological investigation into the use of causal inference methods within multi-state Markov models integrating socioeconomic status and health-related determinants as predictors of functional disability.

MAJOR DUTIES:

• To assist in the conduct of a statistical and epidemiological investigation into the use of causal inference methods within multi-state Markov models integrating socioeconomic status and health-related determinants as predictors of functional disability.
• To compare the effectiveness of existing methodology using longitudinal data, such as the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA).
• To help to prepare articles for submission to relevant health professional magazines, newsletters, websites and journals.
• Carry out routine administrative tasks associated with the research project to ensure that the work is completed on time and within budget. These might include organisation of project meetings and documentation.
• Any other duties related to the successful achievement of the above duties.

Planning and Organising:

• Plan for the use of research resources where appropriate using these in an effective and efficient manner.
• Plan own day-to day activity within framework of the agreed research programme.
• Feedback and liaise with research supervisor on work progress.
• Coordinate and liaise with other members of the research group over work progress. Resource Management Responsibilities: Ensure research resources are used in an effective and efficient manner.
• Contribute to the planning of research projects, reports and publications etc usually 1-6 months in advance.

Internal and External Relationships:

• Liaise with research colleagues and support staff on routine matters.
• Make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future collaboration.
• Attend and contribute to relevant meetings.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• A primary degree in a statistics or epidemiology related subject.
• At least years’ recent research experience and skills relevant to this project e.g. epidemiology, statistical analysis.
• Experience of using data.
• Experience of using statistical packages such as R, Stata or SAS.
• Must have excellent inter-personal skills.
• Good IT skills. Evidence of ability to deal competently with administrative tasks.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Evidence of ability to write reports and meet deadlines.

Clear and confident communicator.

• Confident demeanour.
• Ability to give formal presentations.
• Ability to act decisively and confidently.
• Ability to work independently and on own initiative.
• Ability to work outside normal hours when necessary.
• Access to transport and willingness to travel to meet the needs of the post.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

• A MSc or Ph.D. in statistics or epidemiology (or be near completion), with a methodological focus.
• Authorship of articles in international scientific peer reviewed journal.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary environment as part of a research team.
• Experience developing own statistical code.