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Job description and person specification
Summary details
Unit name:
Division/Section:
Job title
*Salary range:
*Band (Grade):
*Contract type (e.g. Open/Fixed term):
*Hours (e.g. full or part time):
MRC Biostatistics Unit
Senior Investigator Statistician
£37,024 - £43,520 per annum
Band 3
Fixed term for 2 years
Full-time, 36 hours per week OR part-time (minimum 21.6 hours
per week)
Detailed job description
Overall purpose:
To lead on a range of projects which fall within the Unit’s current research which is categorised within 4 broad themes:
(i) design and analysis of randomised trials, (ii) evidence synthesis methods to inform health, (iii) methods for the
analysis of complex longitudinal data and for stratified medicine, and (iv) modelling and inference in statistical
genomics.
Inspired ideas for research for the next 3-5 years in the context of the work of the Unit.
To play a major role in the work of the research group, through the conduct of research, introduction of new ideas,
dissemination of research results, support and training of others.
Contribute to the strategic development of the group and of the Unit overall.
In addition, the post-holder will use approximately 40% of their time to develop and progress their personal fellowship
applications. These must be made to recognised research funding bodies and build on the individual’s research
programme.
Main duties / key responsibilities:
Main duties
Under the general leadership of the Programme Leader, to be responsible for all aspects of the research projects,
including defining the direction of the work, conducting the research, analysing the data, preparing the work for
publication and disseminating the results at meetings.
To develop and progress personal fellowship applications, to recognised research funding bodies, building on the
individual’s research programme.
To present their work at seminars within the unit and at external meetings.
To contribute to the overall preparation of research for publication.
Disseminate research findings in the form of publications, presentations, and reports and thus support the QQR
mission of the Unit.
To identify, develop and apply a broad range of techniques to pursue the research objectives.
To keep up to date with developments in the field, proposing or implementing changes of direction as necessary.
To prepare the research for publication.
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To work in collaboration with others to achieve joint research projects.
To train students, post docs and others, and line management of group members where appropriate.
To contribute to the MRC’s engagement with the public and in the translation of research findings into improvements
in health care.
Key Responsibilities
The key responsibility is to undertake cutting edge research, aimed at key questions within the remit of the research
group. They will be expected to provide the intellectual energy and independent thinking necessary to deliver the
research and to play a major role in shaping the overall aims and success of the group.
The post holder will be expected to have the skill and understanding to be able to act independently in solving
problems, many of which may require novel approaches. This will require the integration of different activities to
ensure the successful delivery of the research projects.
To work in collaboration with others within the Unit as well as independently in his or her own area of expertise. This
will require solving problems that entail novel approaches and the integration of different ideas and activities to
ensure the successful completion of research projects.
To interact effectively with a wide range of staff, students and others to ensure the smooth running of the research
group. This will include setting an example in the effective use of resources and training others.
To disseminate research results through publication of research papers.
To present at national and international scientific meetings.
To ensure the research is conducted in accordance with good practice and in compliance with local policies and legal
requirements.
To recognise opportunities for the creation of intellectual property and to cooperate in patent protection and in
exploitation.
Managing existing collaborations, and establish new collaborations, both within the unit and with external
establishments.
A broad balanced and informed perspective of current scientific issues especially those pertaining directly to the area
of multistate modelling and longitudinal data analysis.
To agree the overall strategic direction of their research.
To contribute to the Unit’s strategy for public communication of science.
Working relationships:
The postholder will report to a Programme Leader within the BSU and will liaise with other Research Support staff,
post-doctoral scientists and students within the Group and across the Unit and with external collaborators.
Additional information:
Equality & Diversity
The MRC values the diverse skills and experience of its employees and is committed to achieving equality of treatment
for all. Our objectives are that all individuals shall have equal opportunities for employment and advancement on the
basis of their skills, aptitudes and abilities. The MRC is committed to the engagement and retention of the best
possible talent and to creating an environment that encourages excellence in scientific research through good
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equalities and diversity leadership and management.
Corporate/Local responsibilities & requirements
The job holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to the MRC’s:
 Code of Conduct
 Equality and Diversity policy
 Health and Safety policy
 Data Protection and Security policy
Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal. Any changes should be made and
agreed between the post holder and their manager.
The above lists are not exhaustive and the job holder is required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be
requested within the scope of the post. All employees are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in
line with the requirements of the post and the MRC.
Person requirements
Education / Qualifications / Training required:
Essential:
PhD in Statistics or equivalent experience
Desirable:
Previous work experience required:
Essential:
Substantial postdoctoral research experience, or equivalent experience
Desirable:
Knowledge and experience:
Specific Research Skills
Essential:
Desirable:
Statistical Software
Essential:
Experienced user
Desirable:
Skilled user
Creativity and Initiative
Essential:
Significant experience and results in cutting edge research.
Has developed new solutions/methodologies which have added value to scientific work.
The post holder will have achieved scientific recognition in the relevant field.
Desirable:
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Independent working
Essential:
Proven skills in working independently to solve statistical problems.
Desirable:
Verbal and written communication skills
Essential:
Considerable experience in presenting scientific work, both written and orally.
Significant publication record, including first author publications in relevant field.
Successfully presented at seminars and/or conferences
Desirable:
Track record of relevant reports and scientific papers
Mentoring
Essential:
Has significant experience of training others "on the job'. Line management experience.
Desirable:
Supervising/Line management experience
Collaborations/ Influencing Skills
Essential:
Has strong skills and experience in working collaboratively within this specific scientific research field.
Desirable:
Personal skills/behaviours/qualities:
Essential:
Excellent standards of Research Conduct, Highly-motivated, Strong team player, Capable of taking independent
decisions, Collaborative.
Desirable:
Additional information:
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