Research Associate / Assistant in Blood Donor Research (Fixed Term) Full-time NEW

Analytical Role in Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a new analytical role in the Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit (CEU), Department of Public Health and Primary Care.

The post-holder will contribute to the development and application of a simulation model exploring optimal approaches for iron supplementation in blood donors in England. The work will involve close collaboration with colleagues at NHS Blood & Transplant, who are funding the project, as well as a multi-disciplinary team including clinicians, behavioural psychologists and lay representatives. The post-holder will have access to a range of data resources to inform the model, including blood donor cohorts from the COMPARE, INTERVAL and STRIDES studies. It is anticipated the work will inform a real-world study of iron supplementation for blood donors to inform future NHSBT policy-making.

There will be further opportunities to carry out research in aligned areas, dependent on the post holders interest and expertise. This could include statistical/decision-analytic modelling with application to research questions relating to the health and safety of blood donors. It is anticipated that this portfolio of work will lead to a series of publications along with presentation of findings at relevant scientific meetings.

The post holder will work in close conjunction with the senior analysts in the CEU and the NIHR Blood and Transplant Research Unit in Donor Health and Behaviour, including Dr Lois Kim and Professor Emanuele Di Angelantonio. They will also work closely with scientific colleagues at NHSBT.

The preferred candidate will have a PhD (or equivalent) in Health Data Science, Statistics, Epidemiology, Health Economics, or other related quantitative subject. They will have a strong understanding of inferential and quantitative concepts and a broad range of quantitative techniques, strong computational skills and preferably previous experience of simulation modelling. They should have an ability to communicate and present results to other quantitative scientists, epidemiologists, clinicians and scientists, along with excellent verbal and written communications skills and strong organisational skills.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD (or equivalent experience), including those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD. Where a PhD has yet to be awarded, appointment will initially be made at research assistant and amended to research associate when the PhD is awarded (PhD needs to be awarded within 6 months of the start date).

The funds for these posts are available until the 31st March 2028.

This is a full-time position but we welcome applications of no less than 60% FTE per week.

Location – Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart & Lung Research Institute, Biomedical Campus, Papworth Road, Trumpington, Cambridge CB2 0BD (approx 2 miles south of city centre) – with the option of hybrid working.

Closing date: 12th April 2026

Interview Date: Week Commencing 20th April 2026

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including e-mail address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.