Research Associate – Clinical Trials Biostatistician and Programmer, Institute for Clinical Trials, School of Medicine (University of Galway 249-23)

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time fixed term position as a Biostatistician/ Programmer with the Institute for Clinical Trials at the University of Galway, Ireland.

This position is available immediately for a period of 5 years subject to probation.

The University of Galway Institute for Clinical Trials will transform the clinical research landscape in Ireland by creating a comprehensive end-to-end programme that supports the development and delivery of clinical trials, from concept to implementation of findings. The Institute, which is led from the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, will consolidate our resources, build on our clinical research expertise and improve the lives of patients and the health of our population, leveraging the academic strengths of the University and its healthcare partner Saolta University Healthcare Group. Additionally, the Institute will focus on developing sustained, mutually beneficial partnerships with industry and academic partners, positioning the West and Northwest as the medtech centre of Ireland. The cross-sectoral activities of the Institute for Clinical Trials will be nationally distinctive, will align with Ireland’s regional development strategies and will enhance economic competitiveness by attracting investment, jobs and talent, in addition to its core mission of improving the health of the population. https://www.universityofgalway.ie/instituteforclinicaltrials/ The Clinical Research Facility Galway, CORRIB Core Lab and other units are constituent members of the Institute, through which the successful candidate will deliver on a portfolio of research activities.

Job Description:

The successful candidate will be responsible for the statistical aspects of clinical trials, including contribution to study design, analysis, creating and validating analysis datasets, tables, listings and figures for statistical reports. The candidate will also be required to coordinate statistical efforts across multiple research projects.

Main Duties:

• Statistical aspects of projects, including experimental design, analysis and presentation of data, maintain consistent approaches within and across research projects, ensuring that all project-related work is carried out in accordance with SOPs and with international regulatory standards.
• Coordinate the development of statistical analysis plans (SAP(s)), statistical programming, creation of table shells, the production of tables, listings, graphs and figures, data review and statistical analysis and/or review of those programmed by others to ensure the delivery of quality products.
• Identify potential data problems from analytical queries and take initiative to guide the process of resolution
• Statistical programming aspects of projects, including the execution and validation of high-quality analysis datasets, tables, listings and figures.
• Liaise with data management team to perform data validation and cleaning of clinical database.

• Review and implementation of study documents (i.e. Protocol / statistical analysis plan etc.).
• Contribute to statistical sections of integrated reports, abstract and subsequent publications.
• Close collaboration with investigators, sponsors, and other study leadership to ensure that high-quality deliverables adhere to study guidelines, are delivered on time, and study/project results and conclusions are presented accurately and without bias.
• Other appropriate and relevant duties under the direction of the Principal Investigator
• Any other duties assigned commensurate to this level of post

Qualifications/Skills required:

Essential Requirements:

• MSc in biostatistics or a related field and 4 years (post primary degree) full-time research/industry/academic experience.
• Previous experience in applying statistical methods in biomedical research, pharmaceutical or CRO industry experience.

• Evidence of strong numerate/programming background (using in statistical software such as SAS, R or Stata required).
• Ability to work with complex data.
• Excellent attention to detail (will be responsible for discovering data issues etc.)
• Ability to work as part of a team and clearly communicate statistical issues and methods to both statisticians and non-statisticians.
• Ability to work on own initiative.

• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Desirable Requirements:

• Analytic background.

• Previous experience working in clinical trials, within academia or industry.
• Experience in/knowledge of SDTM/ADaM/CDISC terminology.
• Experience in/knowledge of clinical trial Protocols and Statistics Analysis Plans

Salary: Research Associate/Postdoctoral Researcher salary scale €42,033 – €54,153 per annum, (subject to the project’s funding limitations), and pro rata for shorter and/or part-time contracts.

The default position for all new public sector appointments is the 1st point of the salary scale. This may be reviewed, and consideration afforded to appointment at a higher point on the payscale (subject to the project’s funding limitations), where evidence of prior years’ equivalent experience is accepted in determining placement on the scale above point 1, subject to the maximum of the scale.

(Research Salary Scales – University of Galway)

Start date: Position is available immediately

Continuing Professional Development/Training:

Researchers at University of Galway are encouraged to avail of a range of training and development opportunities designed to support their personal career development plans. University of Galway provides continuing professional development supports for all researchers seeking to build their own career pathways either within or beyond academia.  Researchers are encouraged to engage with our Researcher Development Centre (RDC) upon commencing employment – see HERE for further information.

Further information on research and working at University of Galway is available on Research at University of Galway

For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie

Further information about the Institute for Clinical Trials is available at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/instituteforclinicaltrials/

Further information about the Clinical Research Facility Galway is available at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/hrb_crfg/

Further information about the CORRIB Core Lab is available at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/corrib-corelab/

Informal enquiries concerning the post may be made to Dr. Aideen O Doherty, Head of Programmes; Aideen.odoherty@universityofgalway.ie

To Apply:

Applications to include a covering letter, CV, and the contact details of three referees should be sent, via e-mail (in word or PDF only) to Gráinne MacNamara grainne.macnamara@universityofgalway.ie

Please put reference number University of Galway 249-23 in subject line of e-mail application.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5.00 pm (Irish Time) 11th October 2023

A Panel may be created for suitable opportunities in the future.

We reserve the right to re-advertise or extend the closing date for this post.

University of Galway is an equal opportunities employer.

All positions are recruited in line with Open, Transparent, Merit (OTM) and Competency based recruitment