Meaningful statistical analyses of cancer trial data

About the research project

Cancer trial data have driven changes in practice and identified life-prolonging treatments. However, anti-cancer treatments often carry substantial side effects, and balancing the benefit and side effects of treatment is important for decision-making. Patient reports of how they feel and function on treatment (“patient-reported outcomes”) are critical for informing these decisions. These outcomes are frequently included in cancer trials and are recognised as important by patients, clinicians and regulatory/health technology assessment authorities.

Although patient-reported outcome data are important, they can also be challenging to analyse and interpret in cancer trials due to patient attrition, missing data, and the use of unblinded trial designs. Addressing these challenges are critical for ensuring that information from patients is central when anti-cancer treatments are evaluated.

This project aims to 1) evaluate methods for analysing patient-reported data using time-to-event models, 2) evaluate methods for analysing patient-reported data in unblinded trial designs, 3) assessing bias and the impact of different methodological choices on estimated treatment effects using patient-reported outcome data, and 4) lead the development of user-friendly summaries to guide methodological choices and interpretation of this data in trials. This project will include data checking and cleaning, project management, and extensive quantitative analysis. The project will enable a student to carry out innovative and impactful statistical research in cancer.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Jessica Roydhouse

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Minimum entry requirements in Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• Minimum entry requirements in Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field
• Strong knowledge of and experience with programming in statistical packages (Stata, R, or SAS)

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience with trial data
• Working knowledge of oncology trials
• Working knowledge of questionnaire or survey data and research

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Jessica Roydhouse to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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