MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, University College London

3 PhD Studentships in Medical Statistics and/or Clinical Trials Methodology

Tuition Fees + Stipend starting from at least £16,553 per annum tax-free

Three full-time MRC-funded PhD studentships are available at the MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London (UCL) in the Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology (ICTM), commencing between March 2018 and September 2018 (by agreement). The studentships cover UK/EU tuition fees and a tax-free maintenance stipend over three years. In 2017-2018 the stipend was £16,553, it may increase from September 2018.

The following projects are available:

• Statistical methods for adjusting for treatment changes in randomised trials
• Assessing and creating impact of methodological research to improve clinical study design, conduct and analysis
• One-stage models for meta-analysis
• Improving assessment and monitoring of neurocognitive function in clinical studies involving HIV+ participants
• Exploring the implications of analysing time-to-event outcomes as binary in meta-analysis
• Design and analysis of trials with multiple primary outcomes
• Methodology to maximise the potential of evaluating many therapies within a single protocol and developing Living Trial Protocols
• Another project in methodology for clinical trials to be negotiated with potential supervisors at the unit

These projects will all allow the student to develop skills in the analysis of data in medical research, and in the methodology of clinical trials. Brief details of each project are provided at the end of this advert and further details of each are available from Dr Andrew Copas – e-mail a.copas@ucl.ac.uk. Dr Copas is also very happy to discuss projects with potential applicants, and to answer any queries about studying at the Institute.

You will join the group of PhD students within the ICTM at UCL. You will register for full-time MPhil/PhD study at UCL, and will benefit from the range of training provided through UCL including the opportunity to attend lectures and workshops for the modules that form the MSc in Clinical Trials run by the ICTM.

The essential and desirable criteria you will have are as follows:

Essential

• Have (or will have completed by September 2018) an MSc in a field relevant to the preferred research project, or equivalent experience together with a BSc in a quantitative discipline.
• Experience in statistical programming and use of statistical software such as Stata, to the level required by the preferred research project
• Good communication skills
• Interest in preferred research project, with some understanding of the issues it addresses
• Understanding of the principles of clinical trials, medical statistics, research methods, epidemiology and meta-analysis if relevant to the preferred project
• Clear articulation of the reasons to wish to undertake a PhD
• Ability to work independently and manage own time

Desirable

• Work experience in statistics or medical research
• Publication record appropriate to work experience

Under research council regulations all candidates are also required to have been resident in the UK for the past three years and thereby qualify for home fees status. More details on eligibility can be found on the MRC website: http://www.mrc.ac.uk/skills-careers/studentships/studentship-guidance/student-eligibility-requirements/

How to apply

The application requires

• your CV including contact details of two referees, and
• a letter explaining why you wish to study for a PhD in the ICTM at UCL and how you meet the essential and desirable criteria listed above.

To apply, please contact ICTM.PhD@ucl.ac.uk to receive further details of the process.

In your letter you may express a preference for one of the above listed projects, and briefly explain your preference. If you wish alternatively to propose your own project then details of the project should be provided with your letter. Candidates intending to propose their own project are encouraged to contact Dr Andrew Copas in advance of applying to discuss the suitability of the project and potential supervisors.

Please note that successful applicants will also be required to apply for MPhil/PhD admission via the UCL online application system.

For shortlisted candidates there will be an opportunity to discuss the nature of each project at interview.

Closing Date: 18th February 2018