Position Classification Description

Position Class Code / Title: L0018 / Biostatistician
Recruitment Tier: Tier 1
FLSA: Exempt
Grade: 15

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

Provides a wide range of advanced statistical expertise, guidance, and support to researchers, scientists, faculty, research teams, and managers engaged in research studies within the health sciences. Participates in the design, development, and reporting of research studies and clinical trials. Collects, analyzes and interprets biological and health science data across multiple research entities in the University's health system. Responds to a broad range of complex statistical issues arising in a variety of clinical and health science research settings.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Designs, analyzes, implements, and reports 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.
  2. Works with investigators to formalize analysis plans and reporting specifications; advises as to choice of statistical analysis strategies, reliability of measurements and identifiability of models, and interpretation and presentation of statistical results.
  3. Builds and sustains collaborative relationships with individuals in different disciplines and serves as subject-matter expert for research teams, internal and external committees, and other constituencies and collaborators.
  4. Assists in the preparation of 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.
  5. Reviews and analyzes safety reporting, biomarker analyses and other aspects of clinical trial monitoring.
  6. Plans and documents computer data file structure; develops, programs, manages, and maintains complex statistical databases; performs or supervises data entry.
  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 enhancements to statistical software, as appropriate, by programming new techniques; maintains knowledge of current and emerging trends in statistical analysis methodology.
  9. Oversees and coordinates the work of statistical support staff, data entry staff, and/or students, as appropriate to the position, on a project, site, or operational basis.
  10. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

  • Master's degree; at least 3 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

  • 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.
  • Ability to analyze, interpret, and draw conclusions from complex statistical information.
  • 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.
  • Strong focus and quality and timely delivery of work.

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: 02/12/2020