Overview

We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic post-doctoral Research Fellow in Medical Statistics / Health Data Science to join the dynamic and growing health data science team led by Professor Colin McCowan in the School of Medicine. You will join a study to use routinely collected medical and administrative data to evaluate whether paternal use of sodium valproate is associated with increased risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring. You will also work with Dr Mike Heath, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and the existing research team to analyse data delivered from an NHS Trusted Research Environment to explore if parental exposure to sodium valproate at conception is related to an increased risk of neurodevelopmental outcomes in early childhood. The methods we use will include advanced health data science techniques to assess associations and causality.

Responsibilities

The post holder will contribute to the design, execution and interpretation of analyses using routinely collected health data to evaluate associations and potential causal relationships related to parental exposure to sodium valproate and offspring neurodevelopmental outcomes. Collaboration with the NHS Trust and University of St Andrews team will be required.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have a PhD in a relevant discipline and strong quantitative research skills.

Benefits

In addition to the salary on offer for this position, there are a wide range of benefits for staff working at the University of St Andrews. The package for the Research Fellow includes:

• Financial contribution to relocation
• Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with a generous employer contribution of 14.5%
• A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies, supporting work-life balance
• Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
• Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
• Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme
• 34 Days Annual Leave plus 5 Public Holidays.

Details

The post is available for 18 months, with a possibility of extension, dependent on funding, starting November 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

For enquiries, please contact Prof. Colin McCowan cm434@st-andrews.ac.uk

Closing Date: 16 October 2025

Interview Date: 30 October 2025

Please quote ref: AR3199LS

Job Description: AR3199LS.pdf

School of Medicine Salary: £38,784 - £46,049 per annum

Start Date: To be confirmed

Fixed Term: 18 Months