Research Assistant in Medical Statistics

About the role

The Medical Statistics group at the University of Plymouth is seeking to appoint a highly motivated graduate-level statistician to support the Down’s syndrome screening Quality Assurance Support Service (DQASS). This is an exciting chance to be part of a progressive and cutting-edge University in a beautiful location, where you can really make a difference.

The group has hosted DQASS since its inception in 2006. Funded by the NHS, DQASS is a statistical support service for NHS Down's syndrome screening laboratories nationwide. It reports to the NHS Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme (FASP) and is supported by the UK National Screening Committee. The overall aim of the programme is to ensure all pregnant women have access to a Down’s syndrome screening programme that is uniform, equitable and adheres to national guidance, supported by a quality assurance framework.

The primary function of this role is the statistical analysis, R programming, database handling (including SQL) and reporting of the data submitted by the screening laboratories to DQASS. Supported by senior staff, you will also deal with queries from the laboratories or FASP via email or over the phone.

The Medical Statistics group’s wider research encompasses clinical trials and pragmatic health services research (e.g. RCTs of medicinal products and complex interventions) and biomedical and clinical studies (e.g. screening and diagnostics; longitudinal studies). You will also support and work with senior colleagues on other projects such as clinical trials, longitudinal studies and service contracts, as well as contributing to the development of research ideas and funding proposals.

For more information on Peninsula Medical School please visit our dedicated webpage at https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools

For this role, you will need to be on site 1 days a week. Although flexibility to be on-site will be expected due to business needs.

The successful candidate may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Dr Amy Baker: by email at

What we’re looking for

You will hold, or expect to graduate in summer 2026 with, a good first degree in Statistics or Mathematics and a strong working knowledge of R programming. Knowledge of databases and SQL are also desirable. You must have excellent communication skills and be able to communicate complex concepts to non-statisticians. There is scope for the role to be undertaken in a hybrid manner and we are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

About us

The Faculty of Health holds four Silver Athena Swan awards, which recognise our commitment to supporting gender equality within higher education.

Application Process

Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, skills and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.

Closing date: 12 midnight, Sunday 20 September 2026

Our Offer

Staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria.

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.