Funded PhD Studentship in Evidence Synthesis ... - University of York
Funded PhD Studentship in Evidence Synthesis ... - University of York
Funded PhD Studentship in Evidence Synthesis ... - University of York
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properties <strong>of</strong> the methods us<strong>in</strong>g Monte Carlo (simulation) studies; (iv) <strong>in</strong>vestigate thepractical implications <strong>of</strong> choos<strong>in</strong>g different methods <strong>in</strong> practical applications; and (v) preparerecommendations on the most appropriate method(s) to consider for widespread application<strong>of</strong> random-effects meta-analysis.Further read<strong>in</strong>g:DerSimonian R, Laird N. Meta-analysis <strong>in</strong> cl<strong>in</strong>ical trials, Controlled Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Trials 1986; 7;177–188; doi: 10.1016/0197-2456(86)90046-2.Higg<strong>in</strong>s JPT, Thompson SG, Spiegelhalter DJ. A re-evaluation <strong>of</strong> random-effects metaanalysis.Journal <strong>of</strong> the Royal Statistical Society Series A 2009; 172: 137-159; doi:10.1111/j.1467-985X.2008.00552.x.DerSimonian R, Kacker R. Random-effects model for meta-analysis <strong>of</strong> cl<strong>in</strong>ical trials: Anupdate. Contemporary Cl<strong>in</strong>ical Trials 2007; 28: 105–114; doi:10.1016/j.cct.2006.04.004.Deal<strong>in</strong>g with diverse covariates <strong>in</strong> meta-analysis <strong>of</strong> observational studiesPotential supervisors: Julian Higg<strong>in</strong>s, Mark Simmonds, Lesley StewartCollaborators: Bob PhillipsA common problem <strong>in</strong> meta-analysis <strong>of</strong> observational studies is that different studies <strong>in</strong>cludedifferent covariates <strong>in</strong> the regression models they use to analyse the data. For example, <strong>in</strong>meta-analysis <strong>of</strong> non-randomized studies <strong>of</strong> <strong>in</strong>terventions, or <strong>in</strong> meta-analysis <strong>of</strong> exposurediseaserelationships <strong>in</strong> epidemiology, different sets <strong>of</strong> potential confounders may have been‘adjusted for’ <strong>in</strong> an attempt to reduce bias. In meta-analyses <strong>of</strong> risk prediction models,different sets <strong>of</strong> predictors may have been <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> the model. Estimates <strong>of</strong> regressioncoefficients from models with different covariates estimate different parameters. Suchdifferences may or may not be important, depend<strong>in</strong>g on the magnitude <strong>of</strong> the relationshipsamong the variables. Some methods have been proposed for handl<strong>in</strong>g these situations. Forexample, given the <strong>in</strong>dividual participant data, multivariate meta-analysis can be used tomodel coefficients that are adjusted <strong>in</strong> different ways [FSC 2009]. Alternatively, Bayesianapproaches for account<strong>in</strong>g for unmeasured confounders can be used [McCandless 2012].However, there is a need for further consideration and development <strong>in</strong> this area.This project will explore statistical methods for synthesiz<strong>in</strong>g results from regression modelswhen different sets <strong>of</strong> covariates have been <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> the models used by different studies.Methods applicable to both <strong>in</strong>dividual participant data and aggregate (e.g. published) resultswill be explored.Further read<strong>in</strong>g:The Fibr<strong>in</strong>ogen Studies Collaboration (Writ<strong>in</strong>g committee: D Jackson and I White).Systematically miss<strong>in</strong>g confounders <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>dividual participant data meta-analysis <strong>of</strong>observational cohort studies. Statistics <strong>in</strong> Medic<strong>in</strong>e 2009; 28: 1218-1237. doi:10.1002/sim.3540.McCandless LC. Meta-analysis <strong>of</strong> observational studies with unmeasured confounders. TheInternational Journal <strong>of</strong> Biostatistics 2012; 8: 1–31. doi: 10.2202/1557-4679.1350.
Person SpecificationAttributes Essential DesirableQualificationsDegree <strong>in</strong> a health, health services research, statisticalor science topic. M<strong>in</strong>imum upper second class.Knowledge<strong>Evidence</strong> synthesis <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g methods <strong>of</strong> data synthesisappropriate to chosen area <strong>of</strong> studyUnderstand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> the health fieldUnderstand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> and familiarity with statisticalpackagesPersonal AttributesAnalytical th<strong>in</strong>ker with good problem solv<strong>in</strong>g abilities.Ability to both ‘th<strong>in</strong>k outside <strong>of</strong> the box’ and bepragmatic <strong>in</strong> approach.Self-motivation, excellent organisational skills and acommitment to the delivery <strong>of</strong> high quality outputs.Excellent written and verbal communication and <strong>in</strong>terpersonalskillsAbility to work collaboratively.
Process for applicationClos<strong>in</strong>g date for applications is 9 th July 2012Applications should be made us<strong>in</strong>g the Department <strong>of</strong> Health Sciences on-l<strong>in</strong>e applicationprocess which can be accessed us<strong>in</strong>g the follow<strong>in</strong>g l<strong>in</strong>k.http://www.york.ac.uk/adm<strong>in</strong>/uao/ugrad/courses/cupid/<strong>in</strong>dex.cfm?ippCode=DRPHSCSHSC3&level=postgraduate.Applicants should state that they are apply<strong>in</strong>g for the advertised CRD studentship <strong>in</strong><strong>Evidence</strong> <strong>Synthesis</strong> and provide a curriculum vitae and two academic references. Youshould also upload an outl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>of</strong> your <strong>in</strong>tended area <strong>of</strong> research, stat<strong>in</strong>g potential methods orapproaches to be adopted, and set <strong>in</strong> the context <strong>of</strong> how it will contribute to develop<strong>in</strong>gevidence synthesis methods and/or contribute to better health decision mak<strong>in</strong>g (up to 500words <strong>in</strong> PDF format). If you have already published academic papers, one <strong>of</strong> these mayalso be uploaded.InterviewsInterviews are likely to take place dur<strong>in</strong>g the week beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g 23 rd July 2012. At <strong>in</strong>terviewcandidates will be expected to give a short presentation on a project or piece <strong>of</strong> researchthat they have undertaken previously and outl<strong>in</strong>e their plans for develop<strong>in</strong>g a suitableproject.Informal EnquiriesProspective applicants who wish to discuss the studentships should contact Annie Christie,the Centre Adm<strong>in</strong>istrator who will arrange a time to talk with potential supervisors. (01904321059, email: annie.christie@york.ac.uk).