MRC studentship for PhD research on statistical methods for cluster randomised trials
We are inviting applications for a PhD studentship supported by MRC for 3 years, starting in October 2003. The studentship covers tuition fees at the Home student rate and includes a generous living allowance for students who fulfil UK residence criteria.
The successful candidate will carry out statistical research on the design and analysis of cluster randomised trials (CRTs). Many trials of public health interventions in developing countries use the community rather than the individual as the unit of randomisation. The MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group (TEG) at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) has collaborated in many trials using this design and has developed methods for their design and analysis. In many CRTs, the clusters are large geographical units and it is only feasible to randomise a small number of clusters. The performance of standard methods of design and analysis when there are only a few clusters is unclear. The student will develop and evaluate a range of methods, including generalised estimating equations, random effects models and Poisson and Cox regression with robust errors. Evaluation will include the analysis of existing datasets, and simulation studies to investigate the robustness of significance tests and confidence intervals under different conditions.
The student will be attached to the TEG at the LSHTM, and will work closely with scientists at TEG and the MRC Clinical Trials Unit under the supervision of Professor Richard Hayes.
Applicants must have a good university degree in a relevant subject and a strong background in mathematics. A Masters degree in statistics and knowledge of epidemiology would be an advantage. Applications should include a CV, names of two academic referees, current postal and/or e-mail address and telephone number, and should be sent to: Jim Todd, Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, Email: [log in to unmask]
The closing date for applications is Friday 11 July 2003. Interviews will be held in the week commencing Monday 22 July 2003.
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