Assessing and creating impact of methodological research to improve clinical study design, conduct and analysis

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 other available projects at https://www.ucl.ac.uk/clinical-trials-and-methodology/education/phd/current-studentships

Project
This novel project aims to explore ways to measure and improve the impact of clinical and methodological research.

Clinical research aims to identify the best ways to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases or other conditions. Their results have great potential to change clinical policy, practice, and future research, improving outcomes for patients, and benefitting society as a whole. Methodological research aims to improve the design, conduct or analysis of clinical research, for example, by speeding up the completion of clinical studies or improving the reliability of their results.

However, the pathway from study results to impact on policy, practice and research is not necessarily straightforward and can take time. New developments can have little or no impact on studies, and the rate of change can be particularly slow. Knowing which strategies are best at increasing the impact of clinical and methodological studies, and demonstrating such impact to research funders and evaluators remains a big challenge.

The student will use clinical and methodological case studies to better understand the factors that might increase or impede impact, and ultimately provide a package strategies that will guide researchers on how best to effect change, demonstrate the value of what they do and justify public funding.

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.