University of York
DEPARTMENT OF Health Sciences
Epidemiology & Genetics Unit
Statistician / Epidemiologist (2 posts)
REF: DR06203
Following the recent expansion of our vibrant multi-disciplinary research group, we wish to appoint two new posts. Our present portfolio consists of a number of cancer-related epidemiological studies, including several based in developing countries. You should have a good first degree in an appropriate discipline, and research experience in statistics, epidemiology, demography or a related area. For those with at least five years' relevant experience, including some methodological development, the post would be offered at a higher grade. Familiarity with the analysis of biological data would be advantageous.
Salaries are in the range £20,044 to £36,959 per annum. These posts are available from 1 August 2006 for a period of three years.
For further information please contact Jill Simpson: [log in to unmask] or Eve Roman: [log in to unmask]
Closing date: 3 weeks from advert
DEPARTMENT OF Health Sciences
EPIDEMIOLOGY & GENETICS UNIT
Statistician/Epidemiologist (2 posts)
REF: DR06203
Further Information for Candidates
Applications are invited for two researchers (statisticians/epidemiologists/demographers) work in the Epidemiology & Genetics Unit (EGU), two posts being funded by Leukaemia Research and one by Cancer Research UK. All posts are for a minimum of three years and are available from 1st August 2006.
The Epidemiology & Genetics Unit (EGU) consists of a talented and experienced team of researchers with expertise in a variety of areas including study design, management and manipulation of large data sets, and statistical analysis.
EGU's diverse on-going programme of research, ranging from the aetiology of haematological and other malignancies through to the development of improved diagnostic tools and methods of treatment, is facilitated by strong local links with clinical haematology and laboratory- based scientists. This combination provides outstanding opportunities for population-based epidemiology, functional biology, health services research and the evaluation of new approaches to the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with leukaemia and lymphoma. Particular strengths within EGU include reproductive, occupational, environmental and genetic epidemiology, as well as survival/treatment outcomes and the development of novel statistical techniques for handling complex biological data. Other key research areas include symptom profiles, diagnostic delay, GP consultation rates, and palliative care. The group are also involved in a number of overseas studies examining associations between infectious diseases (including HIV disease) and cancer in Africa.
Purpose of the posts
The successful candidates will join an established team responsible for the processing and analysis of epidemiological data derived from a variety of sources, including information from clinical records, interview and biological material. These posts will involve manipulation, extraction and analysis of new and existing data sets. Appointment at a senior level (RII) of the research salary scale) would be available to a candidate with appropriate experience in statistical method development.
Duties of the posts
1. Work as part of a team to manage and analyse epidemiological/biological data
2. Take a lead in analytical method development and application, as well as providing advice to other EGU researchers.
3. All duties require initiative and the ability to work without supervision.
PERSON SPECIFICATION: Research Grade IA
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications
A first degree/ post graduate qualification in a relevant subject.
PhD (or equivalent experience)
Experience/Knowledge
Experience of relational database management
High level statistical understanding, and experience with one or more commonly used analytical packages
Working knowledge of SQL
Working knowledge of Stata
Skills
Proficient general computing and research skills
Good verbal and written communication skills
Personal characteristics
Attention to detail
Flexible approach
Good inter-personal skills
Well-organised and ability to prioritise tasks
PERSON SPECIFICATION: Research Grade II
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications
A post graduate qualification in a relevant subject.
PhD
Experience/Knowledge
Experience of relational database management
Excellent statistical understanding, and experience with one or more commonly used analytical packages
Experience of supervising data analysis
A minimum of five years' experience, including some methodological experience.
Working knowledge of SQL
Working knowledge of Stata
Skills
Proficient general computing and research skills
Innovative approach to problem solving
Relevant publication/presentation record
Good verbal and written communication skills
Experience of Methodological development
Personal characteristics
Attention to detail
Flexible approach
Good inter-personal skills
Well-organised and ability to prioritise tasks
Background
The University of York
The University of York is relatively new (from the 1960's) but has established itself, in terms of its research and teaching reputations, in the top 10 of all criteria published by the UK Government in the last 3 years. In the recent national research assessment exercise, York gained a disproportionate number of 5 and 5* ratings (top scoring) for its size, and as a direct result of the funding formula which follows this exercise has seen an increase in real terms in its support of almost 8%, ranking third behind only Oxford and Cambridge. The University has three very large Science Departments (Chemistry, Biology and Physics), with increasing prominence given to Health Sciences and Economics, Psychology, and particularly Computer Science, all of which did outstandingly well in the research assessment. The new Hull York Medical School is a further addition to the University.
The University occupies an attractive campus environment 2 km from the city, and the Department of Biology is located on the edge of the University Campus (http://www.york.ac.uk/) at Heslington, approximately a 20-minute walk to the historic city of York. The University has a range of facilities including restaurants, bars, shops and sports facilities, providing a pleasant working environment for all its employees.
The historic City of York (http://www.york-tourism.co.uk/) enjoys excellent rail links with the rest of the UK: the high-speed East Coast line provides a regular service which enables access to London within 1 hr 40 min and to Edinburgh within 2 hr 15 min. There is also a direct rail link to Manchester Airport and good access to the Leeds/Bradford Airport, both international airports. York is also close to the coast and Yorkshire Dales with excellent access to outdoor activities (hiking, mountain biking, climbing), and within a 3 hour drive of the Lake District.
Salary and Terms
Salary in the range £20,044 to £36,959 per annum on the scales for Research staff. These posts are available from 1 August 2006 for a period of three years.
The candidates appointed may, immediately upon starting their employment, join USS - the Universities' Superannuation Scheme - which involves a personal contribution of 6.35% of salary and a University contribution equal to 14% of salary.
As you may be aware the Higher Education sector is currently in the process of modernising its pay structures. As a result of this process we will be able to ensure equal pay for work of equal value and recognise the vital contribution staff make to the University's record of achievements.
Asylum & Immigration Act (1996)
In accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act (1996), if you are successful in your application for this post you will be required to provide, before you start work at the University, one document from a specified list to evidence that you are legally entitled to live and work in the UK. Further details about this requirement are enclosed with the formal written offer of employment.
How To Apply
Please send five copies of the following:
* Letter of application (please state if you are applying at Research Grade IA or Research Grade II level - see person specifications)
* Curriculum Vitae
* The names and addresses (and e-mail addresses wherever possible) of three referees. Your referees should not be related to you and should include your present or most recent employer (or, if you are a student, your education establishment). The University will assume that it is free to approach referees at any stage unless you have stated otherwise in your application. If you wish a referee or referees to be approached only with your specific permission, please state such requirements explicitly alongside the details of the relevant referee(s). In the event that you are offered the post, the University will at that time seek any outstanding references.
Your application should be sent, together with one copy of your completed equal opportunities monitoring form, to the Personnel Office, University of York, Heslington, YORK YO10 5DD. Please quote reference number DR06203 when applying. Please note that e-mailed applications will not be accepted.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 3 weeks from advert.
It is anticipated that interviews for the post will be held as soon as possible and certainly no later than two months after the closing date for applications. If you have not been invited for interview within that time scale, we should like to thank you for the interest you have shown in working for the University, but you should assume that on this occasion your application has been unsuccessful. Applicants who are short-listed for interview will be sent details of time and venue as soon as possible.
The University regrets that, due to the volume of applications received, it is unable to give feedback to candidates who are not short-listed for interview.
As soon as reasonably practicable after the interviews have taken place the Personnel Office will write to the successful applicant offering him/her the post. Upon receipt of formal written acceptance of the post we will write to notify unsuccessful candidates. Whilst we try to do this in as effective and efficient manner as possible, sometimes the process can take rather longer than is ideal because of the need to recall candidates for a second interview and reconvene interview panels and/or due to routine disruptions caused by leave and other absences. We apologise for any delay and inconvenience caused in these circumstances.
Should you have any queries regarding your application, please do not hesitate to contact the Personnel Office (tel: 01904 434835).
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With the compliments of the Personnel Office
Ref: DR06203
Date: 13 June 2006
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