Warwick Medical School, The University of Warwick
EPSRC CASE PhD Studentship in Medical Statistics
3.5 year studentship: A tax-free stipend at the EPSRC standard rate (£12,940 for 2008/09) + £2,000 per annum enhancement + University fees
Applications are invited for a PhD studentship, funded jointly by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Novartis. The project is entitled
Sample size adjustment in clinical trials with multiple endpoints
Randomised clinical trials are the 'gold standard' method for the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of novel therapies, and are required for the regulatory approval of new drugs. A key issue in the design of any clinical trial is the choice of an appropriate sample size. Sample size calculations are based on assumptions regarding the effect size and variation and are often subject to considerable uncertainty since these are based on vague information in the study planning phase. In an attempt to address this problem, there has been much recent statistical work on clinical trial designs that allow sample size adjustments during the course of the study. Research in this area has focused on studies with one primary outcome. In practice, however, trials often have several endpoints of interest and the statistical methodology to analyse these has advanced considerably in recent years. The aim of this project is to develop statistical approaches for sample size adjustment in trials with multiple endpoints.
Novartis is a global pharmaceutical company and is one of the industry leaders in the implementation of novel clinical trial designs. The successful candidate will visit Novartis R&D sites in Horsham, UK and Basel, Switzerland during the course of the project and will gain practical experiences through their time spent at Novartis.
The University of Warwick is one of the UK's leading research universities and was rated fifth in the country in the government's last Research Assessment Exercise. Warwick Medical School's research is focussed around a number of multi-disciplinary and cross-specialty teams; collaboration within and outside the
School and University is encouraged and investigators are encouraged to work across traditional disciplinary boundaries in innovative ways. The Statistics Department at Warwick is one of the leading statistics departments in the UK including the recently established Centre for Research in Statistical Methodology (CRiSM).
Applicants should have, or expect to obtain, a degree in statistics or mathematics at 2:1 or better. An MSc in statistics or relevant work experience are an advantage. Good computer skills are expected.
Eligibility for support is restricted under UK Research Council guidelines: UK citizens normally resident in the UK or EU citizens who have spent the previous 3 years prior to the date of application in the UK (including for the purpose of full-time education) may be considered for a full award; EU nationals not normally resident in the UK are eligible for fees assistance only. Non-EU citizens are not eligible.
Expected start date: 1 October 2008
Early application is encouraged as applications will be considered as they arrive.
To apply please complete the online application form (https://postgrad.warwick.ac.uk/SWIFT/pgapp/login.asp <https://postgrad.warwick.ac.uk/SWIFT/pgapp/login.asp> ) and post or e-mail a covering letter (indicating two referees) and CV to
Dr Tim Friede
Warwick Medical School
The University of Warwick
Coventry CV4 7AL
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
The project will be co-supervised by Dr Tim Friede and Professor Nigel Stallard. For further information please contact Dr Friede on [log in to unmask]
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Tim Friede
Warwick Medical School
The University of Warwick
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/med/staff/friede
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