About the Project
One of three full-time MRC-funded PhD studentships available at the MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London (UCL) in the Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology (ICTM - https://www.ucl.ac.uk/clinical-trials-and-methodology/), commencing between July 2018 and September 2018 (by agreement).
You can find more information about each project at https://www.ucl.ac.uk/clinical-trials-and-methodology/education/phd/current-studentships
Project
When faced with the need to evaluate a new therapy, we can either design set up and run a new trial, or we can seek to graft the new comparison onto an existing trial, by making appropriate adaptions. The latter approach gives rise to trials with ‘living protocols’ which adapt over time. Within the unit, the STAMPEDE trial in prostate cancer has a ‘living protocol’: it started out with five arms, and additional arms have been added, both from results of the STAMPEDE trial and from other trials. The purpose of this PhD is to address the methodological issues arising from living protocol trials, starting with a framework for control of the type one error and appropriate primary analysis. The goal is to provide guidance on when living protocols are appropriate, and how they should be designed and analysed.
This project 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 [Email Address Removed]. 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.
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 [Email Address Removed] or [Email Address Removed] 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 are welcome to discuss any project ideas and supervisor recommendations with Dr Copas.
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: 13th July 2018, 17:00 BST.
Funding Notes
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.