PhD studentship in Medical Statistics (full time, 3 years) - University of
Exeter Medical School
Applications are invited for a PhD studentship at the University of Exeter
Medical School (UEMS). We are seeking to attract a PhD candidate of outstanding
ability to join a rapidly expanding programme of internationally rated research.
The successful applicant will pursue a project investigating new statistical
techniques for sensitivity analysis in medical research. This is an exciting
opportunity to contribute to developing statistical methodology for quantifying
bias when estimating the effectiveness of medical interventions. The studentship
is due to commence in Autumn 2013 and is linked to a project funded by the
Medical Research Council (MRC) Methodology Research Panel and forms part of a
growing programme of work on sensitivity analysis methods.
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, an upper second-class honours
degree or above in Statistics or Mathematics, or a degree with substantial
quantitative component, such as Quantitative Health Sciences, Psychology,
Economics, Engineering, Computer Science or Physics. A Masters degree or work
experience in a relevant area would be an advantage. International applicants
are welcome. Non UK candidates must have IELTS [International English Language
Testing System] score of at least 7 (or equivalent qualification) or a degree
taught in a majority English speaking country.
Research area: Health statistics
Title: A unifying approach to quantifying bias in sensitivity analysis for
treatment effects
Project outline: Risk of bias due to uncertainty about untestable assumptions is
common in both observational studies and randomised controlled trials. Complete
control for the risk of bias is unlikely in practice, but its impact can be
estimated by means of sensitivity analyses. The aim of this project is to
develop a unifying approach for sensitivity analysis, facilitate efficient
implementation and make the proposed approach accessible. The unifying approach
will make it possible to systematically integrate the assessment of bias into
conventional analyses for a range of statistical models (including logistic
regression, survival analysis, Poisson regression, meta-analysis) for both
randomized and non-randomized studies. Application of these methods will help
facilitate better research planning, reporting and decision making.
Closing date for applications: Friday 19th July 2013. Start date: 23rd Sep 2013
Value: ?13,726 pa plus tuition fees at UK/EU rate
Further Particulars are available at
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/studying/funding/award/?id=1238
Please contact Nick Church in the first instance for more details (N.J.Church at
ex.ac.uk)
Informal discussion is welcomed and candidates are invited to contact Professor
William Henley (Director of studies, W.E.Henley at exeter.ac.uk), Dr Nan Lin
(N.Lin at exeter.ac.uk) or Dr David Llewellyn (David.Llewellyn at exeter.ac.uk)
How to apply:
Please send a CV, Covering letter (outlining your academic interest in Health
Statistics and the research project, prior research experience, and reasons for
wishing to undertake the project) and copies of transcripts of degrees/awards to
Nick Church (N.J.Church at ex.ac.uk) by the closing date of midnight on Friday
19th July 2013. ***Please quote Health statistics and the project title on your
application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Funding Notes: The starting stipend for this studentship will be ?13,726
p.a.(tax-free). Tuition fees will be paid at the UK/EU rate. Candidates from
countries outside the European Union will be liable for the difference between
'home student fees' and 'international student fees? which was
?10,250 in 12/13 but is likely to increase slightly each year. If you wish to be
considered for this studentship you must confirm that you are able to pay the
international portion of the fee. If you are selected you will be required to
provide financial assurances.
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