Scholarships Sweden Research Studentship

Evaluation of methods of statistical analysis in randomised clinical trials in Primary Care - with particular focus on research in musculoskeletal disorders

The Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre, at Keele University has an internationally renowned research programme in chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders in primary care, underpinned by several existing and ongoing high-quality observational cohorts and randomised clinical trials, with linkage to medical records. The Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre includes a multidisciplinary grouping of clinicians working alongside methodologists (statisticians, economists, epidemiologists, psychologists and qualitative researchers). Our funding framework gives us a strong remit to increase research capacity by providing training opportunities and career support for early experience researchers.

The focus of this research will be to review, evaluate and develop methods for informing the analysis of clinical trials analysis in Primary Care with particular attention to musculoskeletal disorders. This studentship will focus on: literature reviews of clinical trials in this area; theoretical considerations for analytical recommendations, and evaluation of empirical data and simulation exercises. Attention will be on design and analysis issues including aspects of validity and bias. With the support of the supervisory team, you will be responsible for:

conducting a literature review of design/analysis methods for clinical trials in this area of health care research; carrying out systematic searches (as necessary) for more specific investigative criteria investigating issues in design of trials in this area with consideration to sampling selection, randomisation method (including unit of randomisation), blinding, concealment, superiority/non-inferiority/equivalence, effect size and minimal clinically important difference (MCID), sample size, outcomes and endpoints, repeated-measures, pilots investigating issues in analysis of trials in this area with consideration to interim assessment and stopping criteria, on-going monitoring criteria, Bayesian versus Classical applications, analysis techniques, intention-to-treat, covariate adjustment, random effects, sensitivity and multiplicity determining efficiency with respect to trials implementation and design in this area - focusing on analytical strategies for enhancing study power and linkage of techniques to resource capacity

Funding is available for three years to cover fees for PhD registration (2011 home/EU rates: £3,732) and a research studentship stipend of currently £13,590 per annum for 2011. Non-EU students would be required to pay the balance (up to £8,000 per annum) of the overseas fees themselves.

Applicants should have a good (2:1 or above) in mathematics/statistics. A Masters degree in a relevant discipline is desirable.

Further Information

For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit to the Centre, please contact: Dr Martyn Lewis on 01782 734849 or a.m.lewis@cphc.keele.ac.uk

Application Process

Full details of application procedures for study are on: http://www.keele.ac.uk/pgresearch/choosingaresearchdegree/studentships/ or contact: The Graduate School for an Application Guide and application form (Graduate School, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5AZ. Tel: 01782 734368, email: gradschool@keele.ac.uk

CLOSING DATE - Friday 20^th May 2011