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PhD STUDENTSHIP University of Sheffield The University of Sheffield´s Medical Statistics Group (MSG) has available a University- funded PhD studentship. The award is full-time for a period of 3 years. The Medical Statistics Group (director Professor Michael J. Campbell) aims to develop new statistical methodology relevant to medical and health services research. The Group is a new unit located within the Health Services Research (HSR) Section of the School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR) and works closely with the Medical School and the Trent Research Development and Support Unit (RDSU). It undertakes an extensive range of collaborative research and consultancy, across both the public and private sector, in addition to teaching a variety of courses in applied statistics. The candidate will be registered at the University of Sheffield and the PhD degree will be awarded by the University. The project will be supervised by Dr Stephen Walters ([log in to unmask]), Dr Jennifer Freeman ([log in to unmask]) and Professor Michael Campbell ([log in to unmask]). Applicants should have (or expect to obtain) a first or upper second class degree in Mathematics or Statistics. An MSc in a relevant subject would be an advantage. The project will form part of the Medical Statistics Group´s research portfolio. Further details of the project are given below. Clustering by health professionals in individually randomised trials Randomised controlled trials are considered the gold standard for evaluation of clinical interventions. They were initially employed for drug trials but are now commonly used for evaluating the delivery of health care. In the latter case, groups of individuals are randomised to receive care from the same source, such as a surgeon, a general practitioner or complementary medicine practitioner. Different sources may have different effectiveness, independent of any treatment effect, and so it is important to try and separate out the effect of the intervention from the effect of those delivering the intervention. This project will use the most recent methodological developments from random effects and Bayesian modelling to re-examine a number of trials within ScHARR, ranging from acupuncture to health care leaflets. It is likely that computer intensive methods will be used to develop a set of guidelines for the analysis of such trials where there may be the potential for clustering at the delivery level. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with theoretical insight to gain expertise in analysing a trial design that is increasingly important and prevalent, and to develop relevant methodology. Informal contact to supervisors should be made by email to Dr Stephen Walters ([log in to unmask]) Dr Jennifer Freeman ([log in to unmask]) Professor Michael Campbell ([log in to unmask]). Eligibility The studentships are available to applicants who will register with the University of Sheffield in 2006-07 on a full-time programme of study leading to the degree of PhD. Awards are tenable for up to three years, subject to satisfactory progress. Awards are open to UK, EU and overseas applicants. Overseas applicants are only eligible providing they can demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover the difference between the UK and overseas tuition fee for a period of three years. Overseas applicants might wish to also apply for an ORS Award. How to Apply See http://www.shef.ac.uk/pgresearch/students/studentships/project.html Interested applicants should: 1. read the detailed description of the relevant research project at http://www.shef.ac.uk/pgresearch/students/studentships/walters.html 2. complete an application form for admission as a research student (the application form, reference form and guidance notes can be downloaded from http://www.shef.ac.uk/pgresearch/students/studentships/project.html from the box on the right of the page); 3. complete a University Project studentship application form (also available to download from http://www.shef.ac.uk/pgresearch/students/studentships/project.html from the box on the right); and 4. submit all forms to the University's Student Recruitment & Admissions Office (address supplied on the admissions application form). Further Information Should you have any further questions about the awards please contact Simon Beecroft [log in to unmask] Dr Stephen Walters Senior Lecturer in Medical Statistics Medical Statistics Group ScHARR, University of Sheffield Regent Court, 30 Regent St, Sheffield S1 4DA PHONE 0114 2220730 FAX 0114 2724095 www.shef.ac.uk/scharr/sections/heds