Head of Statistics
MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe
Salary Package: From £48k - £55k (plus additional £12k displacement allowances, paid tax free)
plus generous benefits package. Two year appointment.
Background
Sitting alongside Lake Victoria in Entebbe, the MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for research on HIV infection and related diseases, contributing knowledge on the evolving epidemic, the evaluation of innovative health care options, treatment and prevention, and the development of health policy and practice in Africa and worldwide. The research is spread across the areas surrounding Entebbe, urban Kampala and two rural field stations which are both well-established within their community settings.
We have a unique opportunity for an experienced senior statistician with excellent management skills to join us at the Unit at an exciting time of our history. Having recently celebrated our 25th anniversary this role will contribute to the research agenda as the Unit plans its next five year strategy to ensure real impact on the lives and health of the East African population. You will lead a team driving statistical and epidemiological aspects of the design, coordination and analysis of new and on-going research studies, including clinical trials and related research. You will provide statistical expertise and leadership during the development of funding proposals and scientific publications, and lead statistical aspects of the design, coordination and analysis of new and on- going research studies.
The Unit is looking for a leader who can develop our statistical methodology and data management capabilities and current statistics section of 33 staff, as well as taking forward their own research interests. We are an interdisciplinary research establishment, benefitting from high profile regional and international collaborations in the UK and USA. We are also investing in important and exciting new research areas - such as non-communicable diseases and biomedical informatics. There is also the opportunity to work across our other sites in Uganda, including urban Kampala, Kyamulibwa and Masaka.
Job Purpose
The Unit is seeking to recruit a senior statistical researcher to contribute to the scientific direction of the Unit and provide effective statistical support during development of funding proposals and scientific publications. The Head of Statistics will lead statistical aspects of the design, coordination and analysis of new and on-going research studies, including clinical trials and related research. He/she will oversee data management across all 3 field stations and Entebbe, supervise trial/data managers and, particularly, statisticians in the Unit.
Key Responsibilities
. To significantly and actively contribute to research strategy, providing input into decisions about which new projects to take forward, and the long-term scientific direction and overall strategy of the Unit.
. This includes responsibility (which may be delegated) for:
o interim and final analyses for all studies and any sub-studies; for conference
abstracts and papers for submission to peer reviewed journals, and where
appropriate for Data Monitoring Committees and Steering Committees; for
funding bodies and regulatory authorities; and for national and international
collaborators.
o supervision of statisticians; training of statistical section staff, project leaders and
other research staff in relevant statistical methods.
o Work with Programme Leaders and other scientists to provide expert input into
research design when developing both outline and full research proposals for new
studies.
. To independently lead their own research activity will also be desirable in addition to
providing support to the Unit.
. Keep abreast of developments in clinical trial, statistical and other appropriate
methodology. Will be encouraged to initiate and perform methodological research of
practical relevance to the Unit's work and exploit existing data held at the Unit. The post
holder will be expected to contribute and oversee training in statistical and epidemiology
methods through in-house courses and workshops.
. Liaise with research heads and COO in matters relevant to the effective day-to-day running
of the statistical section. The post holder will also offer advice to the Unit Director through
membership of the Unit Management Committee.
. Foster cohesion and consistency in the development of statistical support methods.
. Develop effective collaborations and networks with external institutions.
. Provide leadership and mentorship to encourage the career development of staff within the
statistics section.
. Active membership of the Unit's Senior Management Committee, contributing to the overall
strategic decision making processes.
Candidate Requirements
With a PhD in Statistics, or equivalent research experience, and a proven track record as a
statistician on clinical trials and/or epidemiological studies you will demonstrate an ability to shape
the design and analysis of on-going projects and their day-to-day running. We are looking for
applicants with a strong research profile demonstrated through substantial peer-reviewed
publications in health-related research, and experience of writing grant proposals and/or
study/trial protocols. You will also have excellent people and project management skills.
The Head of Statistics will be expected to support the Deputy Unit Director and other research
leaders, ensuring effective statistical support within the Unit. Responsible for the management
and planning of the Statistics section, the post holder will ensure effective statistical advice is
provided in shaping the statistical and epidemiological aspects of the design, coordination and
analysis of new and on-going research studies, including clinical trials and related research.
He/she will possess a broad research portfolio evidencing:
. Extensive relevant experience as a lead statistician on clinical trials or epidemiological
studies.
. Experience of taking responsibility for the day-to-day running of research projects.
. Ability to present results of own work to peers and colleagues, including non-statisticians.
. Experience of writing study/trial protocols and completing subsequent monitoring and
compliance.
. Ability to work effectively and identify opportunities within multi-disciplinary research
environment teams, and to communicate complex ideas to non-statistician colleagues,
particularly social and basic scientists, including training in statistical methods.
. Experience writing Statistical Analysis Plans and presenting final study reports
. Close familiarity with one or more statistical packages (preferably Stata)
. Proven ability to successfully lead and manage a team, including developing junior colleagues.
. Proven ability to secure internationally competitive research funding.
. Political sensitivity and cultural awareness, with understanding of the particular challenges of conducting research within an East African setting.
The Head of Statistics will be based at the MRC's research facility in Entebbe, but will also spend time at the field stations. The successful candidate will be employed by the MRC on UK Contract terms and conditions.
As well as the unique personal and professional opportunities this role presents, you will be rewarded with generous overseas allowances, accommodation provision, annual flights home, educational and relocation support and other benefits including excellent holiday entitlement and a final salary pension.
Contacts and Communication
. Report to the Deputy Unit Director, Dr Anatoli Kamali.
. Direct line management responsibility for other statisticians in the Unit.
. Work in close collaboration with MRC/UVRI programme leaders, project leaders and other scientists.
. Liaise and work with national and international scientific collaborators and researchers, and committees (Trial Steering and Data Monitoring Committees in particular).
. It is expected that the individual will be based full time in Uganda. (A secondment from a university will be considered).
If you would like to discuss this opportunity directly with the Deputy Unit Director, Dr Anatoli Kamali email [log in to unmask]
To apply please email your CV, covering letter and publication list to [log in to unmask] quoting reference UGA1
Closing date: 13th December 2015
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