POSITION DETAILS

Department of Applied Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149
Grade: 7
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to August 2028
Closing date: 17th August 2025

BACKGROUND

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher in statistics, machine learning, mathematical modelling, or a related field, to join our research team in the Department of Applied Health Sciences. The successful candidate will work on an NIHR funded methodology project looking at the design and analysis of randomised trials of interventions to reduce the risk of vector-borne diseases (e.g. malaria and dengue). The Project offers an interdisciplinary opportunity to work in at the intersection of statistics and epidemiology, and features an exciting case study involving novel GM and gene drive interventions for control of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes, with opportunities to build an international research portfolio.
The post holder will work on developing and testing study design and data analysis methods, particularly related to cluster randomised trial designs and working with infectious disease models. You will work within a multidisciplinary team with close links to Imperial College London and the Ifakara Health Institute in Tanzania, including clinicians, epidemiologists, and statisticians. Your work will contribute to a supporting the design of upcoming first field trials of novel technologies in infectious disease control.
This role is particularly suited to candidates with a strong quantitative background. We welcome applicants with training in mathematics, statistics, health economics, computer science, or epidemiology, particularly those with good numeracy and a strong interest in applied health research. We do not require a previous background in the topic area of the post, and training and support will be provided to develop skills in the appropriate area. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (e.g., STATA, R, SPSS) or computer programming (e.g. C++, Python, R) and experience working with health-related data will be advantageous. The ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and communicate findings clearly is essential.

ROLE SUMMARY

• Work with the study investigators (Prof. Sam Watson (University of Birmingham), Dr Penelope Hancock (Imperial College London) and Prof. Fredros Okumu (University of Glasgow/Ifakara Health Institute) to develop and test new methods for trial design and analysis.
• Developing statistical models and code to run the proposed methods.
• Developing and running simulation-based analyses of the new methods.
• Contribute to generating academic publications and reports.
• Contribute to public and stakeholder engagement workshops

MAIN DUTIES

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

• Contribute to the development, documentation, and testing of new statistical methods.
• Develop code to run and evaluate statistical models, with the support of project supervisors.
• Support writing of research outputs for academic and lay audiences, and contribute to the development and running of stakeholder engagement activities in African countries.
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding.
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding.
• Disseminate research findings for publication, including research seminars and conferences.
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline.
• Undertake management/administration arising from research.
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods.
• 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.
• 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.
• Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.