Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

This position provides statistical analysis and programming support for projects within the University of Utah Health Sciences Center.

Qualifications

This position requires a Master’s degree in statistics, biostatistics, or a related field and at least five years of relevant experience. Candidates must be familiar with a wide range of basic and advanced statistical techniques and have expert knowledge of at least one statistical programming language such as SAS or R. Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); An ability to work on several projects simultaneously and manage deadlines, and; Excellent communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain statistical techniques and present data results, are also required.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Assists in providing consultation to study investigators in the areas of protocol development, study design, analysis plan, sample size / power calculations, and interpretation of study data.
2. Assists in the preparation and submission of grants, manuscripts, and presentations.
3. Provides statistical analysis programming, including completion of descriptive and inferential analyses and the interpretation of results.
4. Reviews data for discrepancies, interact with data managers, and create analysis datasets.
5. Conforms to statistical programming and analysis standards.
6. In consultation with supervising or faculty statistician, seeks out opportunities to become involved in statistical leadership through teaching, supervision, mentoring, or developing own methodological research.
7. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the Biostatistician I and II positions

Problem Solving

Employees frequently work on multiple tasks at one time and, as such, may have competing deadlines or time constraints. Level III Biostatisticians are expected to interact directly with internal and external customers in negotiating deadlines and completing work in a timely manner.

Employees may encounter concerns about study design, statistical, or data issues in a project they are working on. S/he should seek to understand the issue and thoughtfully research any potential solutions. Employees may discuss these issues and concerns with the principal investigator on the project. If the concerns are not alleviated and the employee still feels that the issues will have a negative impact on the study or compromise the study results, these concerns should be discussed with the supervising statistician.

Comments

Employees are expected to actively expand their own knowledge and understanding of statistical methods and programming so that s/he has more tools available to independently complete any assigned tasks. If at any time the employee feels that a particular request or task reaches beyond their own understanding or expertise, s/he should work closely with a supervising statistician to ensure that the work provided is of the highest quality.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency typically required

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking. 

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.