Institute for Medical Research at the Durham VA Health Care System

Biostatistician II

PI: Dr. C. Williams

The Institute for Medical Research, an affiliate of the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS) is looking for a Biostatistician II to perform advanced-level statistical analysis and programming for - research studies and quality improvement projects. This includes statistical programming, statistical analysis, quality assurance of data, study feasibility assessments, and presentation of work in reports, and manuscripts.

The Biostatistician will collaborate closely with a cross-functional project team comprised of physicians, scientists, and research personnel to advise on and execute statistical elements of each project. Studies include prospective observational research and retrospective population studies. The incumbent will work with study Principal Investigators including Dr. Williams and associates in the Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center (CSPEC) at the Durham VA. More information about the Durham VA CSPEC program can be found here: Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center (CSPEC)-Durham (va.gov)

Location: This position is hybrid with up to 50% remote. This position is located in Durham, North Carolina and candidates must be willing to relocate prior to start date.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Critical Element 1 – Collaborate and work effectively with research team members:

• Collaborate effectively with, statisticians, investigators, research staff, and external collaborators

• Represent the statistical team in project team meetings; make recommendations about study design and execution in relation to statistical analysis

• Participate in conference calls, project meetings, weekly meetings with leadership, and other team meetings

• Provide support and training for junior-level biostatisticians

• Serve as a resource for other research staff

  Critical Element 2 – Effectively manage and execute assignments:

• Manage project responsibilities with decreasing levels of day-to-day supervision

• Take initiative to complete project-specific responsibilities

• Demonstrate ability to multi-task and meet deadlines as appropriate

• Build documentation and organizational skills for reproducibility

  Critical Element 3 –Statistical analysis planning, generation of results, and interpretation:

• Participate in most statistical aspects of a medical research project

• Assist with power analyses/sample size calculations

• Evaluate research studies and recommend statistical procedures to analyze the data

• Contribute meaningfully to discussions of analyses and identify next steps for analyses

• Write statistical analysis plans

• Perform quality assurance reviews of datasets before beginning analysis

• Learn new statistical methods, as needed, and apply new skills to future projects

• Perform intermediate and advanced statistical analyses, including but not limited to survival analysis, linear regression, and generalized linear modeling as part of a statistical team.

• Check results for accuracy and consistency

• Prepare comprehensive statistical reports to communicate findings with investigators

• Be able to work on any phase of a manuscript project, from initial meeting with an investigator to final review of a manuscript prior to submission for publication, with guidance

• Prepare statistical components of presentations, abstracts, study protocols, and manuscripts including methods and results sections

  Critical Element 4 – Programming and data documentation:

• Program analysis datasets using SAS, R, or other statistical software; combine multiple disparate raw databases and derive analysis variables accurately

• Design analysis data set specifications through writing own programming code

• Demonstrate good programming practices through proper documentation, commenting, and readability

• Perform complex programming using advanced options in SAS procedures and macros, and R functions with increasing efficiency

• Produce quality statistical output products including tables, listings, and figures

• Perform appropriate and adequate code checks to ensure accuracy of results

  The prior statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

  Required Skills and Experience:

  Requires an organized, task oriented, deadline-sensitive individual with a minimum of master’s degree in (bio)statistics or a related field and no relevant experience

  Additional Requirements:

• Candidates must have demonstrated statistical programming experience with SAS or R, with some exposure to SQL.

• Prior experience with observational, survival, longitudinal, categorical, and generalized linear statistical models is strongly preferred.

• Candidates must be able to work diplomatically and professionally with investigators, scientists, and research personnel.

• Demonstrated professional initiative, teamwork abilities, strong interpersonal relationship skills, and good decision-making is expected.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills and experience with Microsoft Windows, Word, and Excel are required for this position.

• Understanding of HIPAA considerations is preferred.

• Applicant must have the ability to prioritize and manage the workflow of multiple projects.

  Physical Requirements: The physical requirements and activities that are required to perform the essential functions of the position include, but may not be limited to, as follows: Must be able to occasionally lift, pull and push a minimum of 5 pounds , stand for extended periods of time, sit for extended periods of time, squat, kneel, and stoop, regularly use fingers, hands for computer work.

  Supervisory Controls: The position of Biostatistician II is under the direct supervisor of the Principal Investigator.

  The prior statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

  Salary : $87,000 annually

• Salary will be commensurate with experience level.

  Status: Exempt

  Start Date: Expected start date will be 8 weeks after the offer but is somewhat flexible and contingent upon completion and approval of VA paperwork.

  Employee Benefits: IMR offers a competitive benefits package if you work 30 hours or more which includes health, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability insurance. IMR offers a matching 403b retirement savings plan if you work 20 or more hours. Both part-time and full-time employees get paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave. Please visit https://imr.org/benefits/ for information about employee benefits.

  All IMR employees are required to obtain a Workers Without Compensation (WOC) appointment at the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS). As a result, the successful candidate must undergo a federal background check and may be subject to a physical and drug test. Participation in the vaccination programs may be required for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Workers Without Compensation (WOC) appointments. We will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

  Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled persons and Veterans.

  Click here (https://imr.org/careers/) to apply to this position and others directly on the Institute for Medical Research Careers Page (https://imr.org/careers/) !