This PhD programme is an exciting opportunity to join the Pharmacoepidemiology and Medication Safety Research Cluster at UCL School of Pharmacy to launch a career in Pharmacoepidemiology research. We are committed to conducting high-quality research that leverages pharmacoepidemiology approaches at local, national, and international levels.
Routinely collected observational data (“Real-World” data) such as electronic health records, administrative claims, and disease-specific registries generate a variety of large, coded, longitudinal, multimodal, and multidimensional datasets, and constitute a unique yet underutilised asset for medication and healthcare research. They provide a rich source of clinical information to aid our understanding of the progression of disease, utilisation of medication, and the impact of public health interventions on a large population. This PhD project will exploit the potential of the large Real-World data to answer important clinical questions regarding the effects of medications, particularly those used in cardiovascular disease, neurological and mental health conditions. The project aims to generate high-quality real-world evidence that can help to guide clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.
Main methods and techniques
The student is expected to use observational study techniques and common data models to work on the big data from multiple databases. The student will have access to training courses to become familiar with various study designs that can be used and will gain experience in epidemiological study methods, data analysis, systematic reviews as well as writing papers for peer-reviewed journals. Attendance at formal training courses will be encouraged.
Person specification
Essential criteria:
· A Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:1) and/or a Master's degree (preferably with a merit or distinction) in pharmacy, statistics, computer science, epidemiology, public health or an allied discipline
· Interest in health-related topics and applications of quantitative research methods
· Ability to organise and prioritise workload
· Ability to work as part of a team
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills (ranging from informal 1:1 discussion to formal presentations)
Desirable criteria:
· Experience in data analysis and the use of statistical software such as SAS and R
· Experience in searching and reviewing research literature
Applicants will also need to meet UCL MPhil/PhD entry and English Language requirements. See link for further details https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/research-degrees/pharmacy-mphil-phd
The student stipend will be paid at UCL normal rates (stipend rate for 2021/22 is £17,609).
This studentship is open to UK candidates only who are a UK National (meeting residency requirements; or have settled status; or have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements); or have indefinite leave to remain or enter.
Ideally, the candidate would be able to start in April 2022.
How to apply
Applications must include CV, personal statement, and the contact details of two referees. Applications should be emailed to Ms Michelle Ward at [Email Address Removed]
The supervisors for this project are Dr Wallis Lau and Prof Ian Wong:
Name: Dr Wallis Lau
Department: Research Department of Practice and Policy, UCL School of Pharmacy
Telephone: +44 (0) 203 108 6529
E-mail: [Email Address Removed] Web profile: https://iris.ucl.ac.uk/iris/browse/profile?upi=CYLAU57
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Name: Professor Ian CK Wong
Department: Research Department of Practice and Policy, UCL School of Pharmacy
Telephone: +44 (0) 207 753 5966
E-mail: [Email Address Removed] Web profile: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/pharmacy/people/professor-ian-wong
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The deadline for applications is 31st December 2021 and interviews will take place in January 2022.