NIHR Blood Transfusion Research Unit in Donor Health and Genomics, University of Cambridge

A PhD studentship in Biostatistics/Applied Statistics is available in a new interdisciplinary research programme in population health and genomics. The studentship will focus on the analysis and interpretation of longitudinal data from the INTERVAL study, a major randomized trial and subsequent longitudinal study of 50,000 blood donors in the UK.  The research focuses on the health consequences of blood donation, based on longitudinal data on haematological variables, haemoglobin and other iron biomarkers, and health outcomes. 

It is envisaged this studentship will involve:

developing statistical methodology to handle missing data in baseline and longitudinal measures;

developing dynamic risk prediction models for various health consequences of repeated blood donation (eg, low iron stores, low haemoglobin levels, deferral, fainting); 

comparing risk prediction models based on different types of data: simple (eg, questionnaire data alone), complex (eg, blood biomarkers and genetics), and longitudinal (eg, previous levels of haemoglobin, previous deferral and donation history). 

The research project would be suitable for a student wishing to develop skills in statistical methodology or applied statistics. Findings from the study will have major implications for blood donation policies in the UK and internationally. Eligible students will have obtained a Masters or equivalent in a related field (eg, medical statistics) and will have an excellent first degree (2:1 or higher).  Exceptional students without a Masters may also be considered.

The programme is part of the newly-formed National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Unit in Donor Health and Genomics based at the University of Cambridge (http://donorhealth-btru.nihr.ac.uk/index.html).

Candidates will work across world-leading institutes in population health sciences and genomics, and gain direct experience of NHS Blood and Transplant, an innovative high-throughput component of the National Health Service. Specifically, the candidate will be supervised by Dr Angela Wood and Prof Simon Thompson, and will be embedded within a larger multidisciplinary team offering ample opportunities for training. 

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Angela Wood at [log in to unmask]

Beginning in October 2016 (or earlier by mutual agreement) candidates may pursue either a 3-year PhD (subject to having an appropriate Masters degree) or a 4-year PhD, with Masters degree training in a relevant subject during the first year. Ideal candidates will have outstanding academic abilities combined with strong interpersonal and communication skills in order to make the most of interdisciplinary training opportunities. 

Support includes a generous tax-free annual stipend (£17,500), University fees at the Home/EU rate, research expenses and some travel costs. 

Applications for this scheme should include:

A CV, including full details of all University courses taken with date, with grades if available. 

The names and contact details of three academic referees. 

A covering letter (up to 500 words) explaining why you wish to be considered for this particular studentship, what you will bring to the project and listing any relevant research experience to date.

Eligibility

The scheme is open to nationals from all countries, but fees can only be provided at the Home/EU rate. Applicants should have excellent grades (ideally a first-class degree or distinction in a Masters degree) in a subject that relates to the goals of the Research Unit (eg, biostatistics).
Further information, including details of specific projects are available at http://www.phpc.cam.ac.uk/ceu/research/phd-population-health/ 

Applications should be emailed to Sean Hickin ([log in to unmask])

All applications must be received by midnight on 10th January 2016.   Earlier applications are encouraged.

Shortlisted candidates can expect to be interviewed week commencing 18th January 2016

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