Position Classification Description

Position Class Code / Title: L4018 / Biostatistician,Sr
Recruitment Tier: Tier 1
FLSA: Exempt
Grade: 16

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.

Summary

Serves as a leading subject matter expert in statistical guidance and support to researchers, scientists, faculty, research teams, and managers engaged in research studies within the health sciences. Consults with works with investigators to formalize analysis plans and reporting specifications and provides high complexity statistical support and clinical trial statistical analyses and sample size justification assessments. Leads the design, development, and reporting of research studies and clinical trials. Represents Biostatistics on clinical and pre-clinical project teams as required, and provides leadership to staff. Develops responses to a broad range of complex statistical issues arising in a variety of clinical and health science research settings.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Creates analysis plans and study design of clinical trials, prospective cohort studies and observational studies including sample size/power calculations and missing data.
  2. Leads the design, analysis, implementation, and report findings on targeted statistical research studies; provides consultation to investigators and researchers on experimental design and statistical research approaches, requirements, and scientific standards to advance medical knowledge and improve research in public health.
  3. Consults with investigators to formalize analysis plans and reporting specifications; advises on choice of statistical analysis strategies, reliability of measurements and identifiability of models, and interpretation and presentation of statistical results.
  4. Assists with development of new and/or resubmission of continuing contract or grant proposals, budgets, and reports.
  5. Supervises assigned personnel which typically include recommendations for hiring, firing, performance evaluation, training, work allocation, and problem resolution.
  6. Oversees or develops enhancements to statistical software by programming new techniques; maintains knowledge of current and emerging trends in statistical analysis methodology.
  7. Uses a variety of advanced statistical software, methods, and techniques to gather, analyze, and interpret research data to derive useful information for research data; advises and assists in the development of inferences and conclusions, as appropriate.
  8. Develops the responses to statistical issues arising in regulatory, quality and compliance, clinical or other legal settings; prepares clinical trial documents and reports, protocols, investigator brochures, scientific abstracts, peer-reviewed manuscripts, and responses to requests from regulatory agencies, local Institutional Review Board, and other health authorities.
  9. Builds and sustains collaborative relationships with individuals in different disciplines and serves as subject-matter expert for research teams, internal and external committees, other constituencies, statistical consultants and collaborators.
  10. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

  • Master's degree; at least 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
  • Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

  • Ability to utilize advanced analytical techniques and programs to develop scientific models.
  • Ability to supervise and train employees, communicate effectively, organize, prioritize and schedule work assignments, contributing to a collaborative work environment.
  • Ability to develop and produce grants and other proposals.
  • Knowledge of scientific approach and methodologies.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the principles, concepts, methods, and standards of statistical research.
  • Ability to apply a range of advanced statistical techniques in support of scientific research studies and/or experiments.
  • Ability to process computer data and to format and generate reports.
  • Ability to consult with scientific investigators, interpret research requirements, and determine statistical analysis strategies.
  • Ability to plan, create, program and manage complex statistical computer databases.
  • Knowledge of current and emerging trends in advanced statistical analysis for scientific application.
  • Knowledge of SAS programming and/or other statistical software.
  • Knowledge of scientific reporting and manuscript preparation requirements and standards.
  • Ability to work in a team environment to design, analyze, and report on research projects.
  • Strong analytical communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills.
  • Ability to provide technical guidance and leadership to professional personnel in area of expertise.
  • Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize projects.
  • In-depth knowledge and understanding of probability and medical statistics theory.
  • Knowledge of data management principles and regulatory requirements for clinical trials and medical research.

Distinguishing Characteristics

    Position requires: a) collaboration, representation, and subject matter expert leadership within the field of study; b) design, analysis and reporting of high complexity research studies and clinical trials; c) building and sustaining collaborative relationships across multiple disciplines; d) supervising and coordinating projects within area of expertise.

Conditions of Employment

  • Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

  • No or very limited physical effort required.
  • No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
  • Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 09/16/2022