I've been asked to distribute the following job adverticement.

Interested potential candidates should reply to the addresses below
and not to me.

Thanks
Graham Dunn

ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CAMPAIGN EPIDEMIOLOGY UNIT

UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER

SCHOOL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY & HEALTH SCIENCES


Research Statistician
(University Research Grade II: ,21,815-,29,048)

Applications are invited for a new post of research statistician with
considerable experience in epidemiological data analysis to provide
advice and support across a wide range of projects. The ARC's
Epidemiology Unit is internationally recognised for its unique
studies and offers a rewarding environment for the post-holder to
work in partnership with a broad range of scientists.

Application forms and further particulars may be obtained from the
Office of the Director of Personnel, University of Manchester, John
Owen's Building. Informal enquiries may be directed to Professor
Alan Silman (Tel: 0161 275 5037). Details are also available on our
website at: http://www.arc.man.ac.uk.

Closing date for applications 1 June 1999.

FURTHER PARTICULARS:

Summary

The Arthritis Research Campaign (ARC) Epidemiology Unit wishes to
recruit a statistician experienced in epidemiological data analysis,
to advise on statistical aspects across a wide range of
epidemiological studies.

ARC Epidemiology Unit

The ARC Epidemiology Unit is the leading international research group
undertaking epidemiological studies in the rheumatic and
musculoskeletal disorders. It has an annual budget of around 2
million pounds and employs some 70 staff on a large number of
research projects. The work of the ARC Unit was flagged as being of
international excellence in the most recent University Research
Assessment exercise and is one of Manchester University's most
successful research groups. The ARC Unit is part of Manchester
University's Epidemiology & Biostatistics Research Group and all the
Unit's statisticians are also part of the ad hoc Biostatistics Group
recently established within the Medical School.

Current Research

The ARC Unit undertakes research across a wide range of rheumatic and
musculoskeletal diseases, utilising all the major epidemiological
designs. The studies are predominantly population based, large in
size, and many are prospective with repeated measures. A number of
clinical trials are either planned or in progress. Many of the
Unit's staff are proficient in statistics including simple elling,
but need help for the exploitation and appropriate interpretation of
our unique data sets is required.

Biostatistics Group

This expanding group is headed by Professor Graham Dunn, and includes
two other Professors as well as a number of academics interested in
biostatistics including two full time statisticians within
the ARC Unit, one of whom specialises in statistical genetics,
providing the ideal environment for academic development and growth.

Specific Role

The post-holder will be expected to provide a high level of advice on
all aspects of design and analysis across a wide range of studies.
The post-holder will also advise on the use of appropriate
software and provide guidance on new developments in statistical
computing. The majority of the work will be advisory and
supervisory and the post-holder will work closely with a number of
individuals ranging from PhD students to experienced epidemiologists.
The post-holder will also undertake some specific areas of data
analysis him/herself, but much of the actual data handling will be
undertaken by others. Encouragement will be given in undertaking
methodological research. The post-holder will be expected to feel
comfortable working as part of a team and contributing to meetings
dising details of data analysis and interpretation.

Person Specification

Our ideal applicant would have an excellent first degree and a
Masters or higher level degree in medical statistics. He/she would
have considerable experience in the analysis of complex
epidemiogical datasets. He/she should be a good communicator,
comfortable in training others but willing to seek guidance and
support whenever necessary. A team player approach is essential with
job satisfaction deriving from interaction with colleagues for mutual
benefit and the training of others to acquire new skill

Support and Training

The successful applicant will have every opportunity to interact with
colleagues in the Biostatistics Groups and seek advice. He/she will
be encouraged to attend meetings and courses, both in the UK
and overseas, to develop skills. The ARC Unit has a well-developed
policy of personal appraisal aiming to maximise the job satisfaction
and career aspirations of the staff.

Computing Facilities

The ARC Unit has all the computing facilities available that would be
expected from a large research group including a local network of
linked PC's, a Sun workstation and access to the University's
mainframe. The ARC Unit's preferred software for epidemiological
data analysis is STATA and familiarity with this package would be
required in order to adequately guide others. There is a full-time
IT manager. Virtually all of the Unit's staff have their own PC.

Other Facilities

The ARC Unit has an excellent library including all the major
biostatistics journals and a full-time librarian. The Unit has
extensive laboratories with state-of-the-art facilities for genetic
studies.

Working Environment

The ARC Unit offers a friendly, informal environment for working with
a predominantly young scientific staff. There is a well-developed
social programme and our annual day out is one of the highlights of
the year.

Post Conditions

The appointment will be on the University Grade II scale for academic
related staff (currently 21,815-29,048 pounds). As with all
scientific staff there are no fixed hours of work, but the post-
holder will be expected to be flexible in hours to attend meetings
either early in the morning or into the evening as required. There
is a generous holiday provision and details are available on
request. The post is available for five years in the first instance
but, following University policy, the first year is
probationary.

Application forms and further particulars are available from the
Office of the Director of Personnel, University of Manchester, John
Owen's Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL. Details are
o available on our website at: http://www.arc.man.ac.uk. The closing
date for applications is 1 June 1999.

Potential applicants are strongly advised to discuss further details
about the post with the Unit's Director, Professor Alan Silman (Tel:
0161 275 5037; e-mail: [log in to unmask])


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