Please bring the following to the attention of any students or staff who might be interested / suitable. The University of Birmingham Department of Public Health and Epidemiology Research Associate / Fellow (Medical Statistics) Brief Job Description. The department has recently been funded by the NHS HTA methodology programme to review the use of sub-group analysis in RCTs. Components of this potentially important, interesting, and challenging research include: a) reviewing the available methods for sub-group analysis b) developing a classification to be applied to papers reporting RCTs, to classify their use of subgroup analysis c) developing methods for assessing the validity of subgroup conclusions d) classifying subgroup analyses made in a sample of RCTs e) conducting an experiment to assess which factors seem to influence clinicians and reviewers when drawing conclusions about subgroup effects f) writing peer reviewed papers and a final report The appointee(s) will work closely with David Braunholtz (medical statistician, grant-holder) to carry out these tasks, with the help and advice of the research team, which has experience and expertise in all the required areas. There are possibilities for collaboration with a parallel HTA funded research group looking at subgroup analyses in RCTs, using simulations, led by Dr Elise Whitley (University of Bristol). Appointee(s) will also be expected to contribute to the Department's programme of teaching and research generally as appropriate. There are considerable numbers of medical statisticians working in the medical school, in particular in the University Clinical Trials Unit. Occasional informal meetings and seminars are arranged. The DPHE has fortnightly seminars from invited speakers and members of staff presenting work in progress. Required attributes: High level of initiative and intellect Interest in Bayesian, as well as Frequentist, methods Interest in clinical trials Desirable Attributes: Experience in these areas Experience of literature review Expertise in cognitive/experimental psychology Proven ability to draft papers/reports Higher degree Pay and Conditions: May be suitable for job-share or other part-time basis. Secondment may be another possibility. Funding is available for 15 months in the first instance, to start as soon as possible, but we are prepared to wait for the right candidate(s). The DPHE is expanding, and in the past has been successful at winning new research and other contracts and so re-employing members on fixed term contracts. Salary according to age, qualifications, and experience (up to point 10 currently 20867 pounds UK, subject to pay award). Appointee(s) will be sharing an office with 3 or 4 others. A new PC will be provided, with access to the Internet, and extensive electronic journal and bibliographic databases. Some funds are available for attending seminars and conferences. If appropriate, the appointee(s) will be encouraged to register for a higher degree. Informal enquiries to David Braunholtz (see below). Application forms and further particulars are available from Director of Staffing Services, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT Tel: (0121) 414 6486 e-mail: [log in to unmask] Web: http//www.bham.ac.uk/staffing/ Please quote reference M18159/99 Closing date for receipt of applications 8/6/1999 David Braunholtz Department of Public Health & Epidemiology Public Health Building University of Birmingham Birmingham B15 2TT E-Mail: [log in to unmask] Tel: 0121-414-7495 FAX: 0121-414-7878 %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%