Research Assistant/Associate In Data Analytics And Systems Modelling For Healthcare

Salary:

Research Assistant £31,396 to £32,982 per annum

Research Associate £33,966 to £44,263 per annum 

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 25 February 2024

The Role
 

Newcastle University's School of Engineering is at the forefront of groundbreaking research aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility for Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) aged 14 to 24 years. In collaboration with NHS England, we are leading the transition to a comprehensive 0–25-year service model that aligns with education and social care frameworks.

We are seeking a dynamic and innovative Research Assistant/Associate to join our team, focusing on patient-centred approaches to address the unique challenges faced by AYAs within the healthcare system. Utilising Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and advanced Data Analytics, you will explore and design practical and effective healthcare pathways that prioritise the patient experience and journey.

You will be at the forefront of transforming healthcare experiences for AYAs. Your expertise in Data Analytics and Systems Modelling, will be crucial in designing solutions tailored to the developmental needs of this demographic. A significant part of your responsibility will involve utilising Data Analytics to gain deep insights into the AYA patient journey, understanding their unique interactions with the healthcare system, identifying pain points, and recognising opportunities for improvement, all within a patient-centred framework.

You will collaborate with a diverse group of stakeholders, explore barriers and seek solutions employing MBSE methodologies. You will develop models that represent the healthcare delivery process for AYAs, with a particular emphasis on enhancing the patient journey from a patient-centred perspective. You will be expected to write scientifically rigorous research papers and present your work to non-specialist audiences.

Join a vibrant research community with access to excellent research groups and facilities. Newcastle University promotes an inclusive culture and environment, fostering creativity and collegiality.
The position is available on a full time (37 hours) fixed-term basis, with an immediate start date, tenable for 12 months in the first instance. We are committed to building and maintaining a fair and inclusive working environment and we would be happy to discuss arrangements for flexible and/or blended working. 

To apply, please complete our online application and submit your CV along with a cover letter. Your cover letter functions as a supporting statement, providing a concise yet comprehensive overview of how your knowledge, skills and experiences align with the essential criteria. Your cover letter should be substantiated by specific examples from your experience. 

If you have any informal inquiries, feel free to contact Professor Daniel Coca, Head of School, at the following email address: Daniel.Coca@newcastle.ac.uk

For more information about the School of Engineering and our research, please click here

Key Accountabilities

• Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate interactive workshops/meetings with stakeholders to help build a common understanding of their needs and to co-develop Use Cases ensuring that ensuring they accurately reflect new operational concepts, functionalities, and, importantly, the patient’s perspective 
• Data Analytics: Develop a Data Analytics pipeline for collecting, cleaning, and analysing data from medical records, and for visualising and mapping patient journey information using flow diagrams or other mapping tools to identify key stages and touchpoints in the patient journey
• Systems Modelling: Co-develop with the stakeholder group an initial model of the current and potential future AYA patient journeys through health and social care system
• Documentation and Reporting: Document research findings, methodologies, and codebase for reproducibility and knowledge dissemination. Contribute to research publications in peer-reviewed journals and conferences and preparation of research grant applications

The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience 

• Expertise in machine learning, statistical analysis, and the ability to handle large datasets effectively. Familiarity with Data Analytics tools and software
• Advanced Systems Modelling experience, ideally as part of the Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) framework
• Demonstrated experience engaging with non-technical stakeholders, such as healthcare professionals and patients
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data and concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• A track record of research publications in reputable journals and conferences commensurate with career stage

Desirable

• Expertise in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
• Experience working in the healthcare domain, particularly with a focus on patient journey mapping, healthcare workflows, and patient-centred care models
• Proficiency in visualising complex data sets and creating intuitive representations of data and system models

Attributes and Behaviour

• Strong problem-solving abilities and a creative mindset 
• Ability to work independently using own initiative and to meet deadlines 
• Demonstrable ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings and working on joint research projects
• Ability to set own research goals, be self-motivated and proactive
• Commitment to the values of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in all aspects of your work

Qualifications

• PhD awarded (or near completion) in a relevant field such as computer science, machine learning, applied mathematics, engineering, or a related discipline. (Note: individuals who have yet to be awarded the PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant)

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.  We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 26593