Statistical Analyst, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Application Deadline: 

August 4, 2021

 

Statistical Analyst, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences

 

BUSINESS TITLE:                               Statistical Analyst
EMPLOYMENT GROUP:                    Management and Professional
JOB FAMILY:                                       Statistical Analysis
JOB CODE:                                          184001
CLASSIFICATION:                               Statistical Analysis, Level B
FACULTY:                                            Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
PAY GRADE:                                       7             
CAREERS SITE:                                   https://ubc.wd10.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/ubcstaffjobs/job/UBC-Vancouver-Campus/Statistical-Analyst_JR3083

 

JOB SUMMARY

The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia is a diverse faculty with 72 full-time and cross-appointed academic faculty members, over 600 clinical faculty, 900 undergraduate students, and 60 graduate students. The Data Analytics, Statistics, and Informatics (DASI) is a statistical consulting service within the Faculty. This position will be involved in leading the DASI unit and engage in all aspects of statistical analysis and statistical consulting across the Faculty and beyond. Other responsibilities include the following: developing and evaluating study designs; developing statistical models and performing analyses on biomedical, clinical, and administrative health data; assisting with writing reports and manuscripts; supervising security and integrity of data; and presenting results to multidisciplinary audiences. The candidate must have the qualifications necessary to design, implement and manage statistical analysis for several ongoing multi-center studies. He or she will excel in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple responsibilities and deadlines while also being an effective communicator who combines strong technical skills and attention to detail with an appreciation for the value of quality oversight in managing data for use in research. The position works on multiple projects and as such the position must be able to work effectively under pressure to meet and prioritize competing deadlines.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS

This budget-funded position is created to serve the needs of the Faculty and the local research community. The main function of the successful candidate is to provide fee-for-service statistical work and support to clients inside and outside of the Faculty, charging clients an hourly rate. As such, the candidate will be responsible for managing and delivering work across a range of disciplines for different members inside and outside of the Faculty. For general management purposes, the candidate will directly report to Drs. Mohsen Sadatsafavi and Larry Lynd.

 

WORK PERFORMED

Major Responsibilities with regard to statistical analysis and consulting services:

  • Provide statistical advice to Principal Investigators on study design.
  • Create appropriate Data Analysis Plan in consultation with Principal Investigators.
  • Develop statistical/analytic approaches and techniques for the solution of research problems.
  • Communicate technical aspects of complex problems so that appropriate decisions can be made by the research team.
  • Supervise junior staff who will help with data cleaning, data analysis, and preparation of results.
  • Prepare the final analytical dataset required for the planned statistical analyses.
  • Conduct the planned statistical analyses.
  • Maintain and update syntax, metadata files (e.g., data dictionaries that guide use of variables), documentation procedures and methods.
  • Ensure the security and integrity of data by developing and implementing protocols and software for proper management and archiving of statistical codes and final analytical datasets.
  • Participate in the preparation of scientific abstracts and manuscripts, as well as interim and final reports as required by the funding agencies.
  • Conduct activities to promote DASI to potential clients (e.g., writing content for website)
  • Liaise with clients inside and outside of the Faculty to provide an estimate of the workload, cost, and proposed timeline for each project.  Communicate progress updates to clients.  Record time spent on each project and invoice accordingly.
  • Perform other duties relating to the role of Statistician, as required.

 

CONSEQUENCES OF ERROR

Complexity of Duties: This position requires the incumbent to exercise professional judgment and creativity, as some tasks to be undertaken are unique. Because of the diversity of research projects, versatility of skills is crucial. As well, because some of the projects are based on large datasets, efficiency is important to ensure computing resource requirements are kept to a minimum. Care must be exercised in designing and performing so that they are based on solid theoretical foundations and meet the needs of the project. The position requires considerable judgment in developing approaches and techniques for the solution of problems (from methodology to statistical programming to interpretation of results). It also requires an ability to communicate about different aspects of complex problems so that appropriate decisions can be made by the research team.

Communication: The Statistical Analyst must communicate clearly, effectively, and timely in both written and interpersonal forms. Considerable interpersonal communication skill and judgement must be exercised in developing and implementing analytic plans with the faculty, staff and collaborators of research projects. Clear and concise writing is required in the preparation of data documentation and results presentation.

Deadlines: Many research projects will have strict deadlines with funding agencies, government bodies, and publishers. It is essential that the Analyst be able to work effectively and efficiently under pressure to meet deadlines, and to the highest of standards with little day to day supervision.

 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The Statistician will report directly to the Principal Investigators for each research project. For the overall aspect of management, he or she will report to Drs. Mohsen Sadatsafavi and Larry Lynd.

 

SUPERVISION GIVEN

 

The successful candidate is expected to work independently, but also work collaboratively with other employees, and may provide training and supervision for specific tasks undertaken by research staff under their supervision.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Post-graduate degree in Statistics.  PhD degree in statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, or equivalent.
  • Minimum of three years of related experience in research analysis or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience with statistical programming and package development in R, general purpose programming in C++ and MATLAB, and big data and statistical analysis using SAS or STATA.
  • Experience with data management and statistical analysis of linked administrative databases in Population Data BC (PopData) research environment platform.
  • Sound understanding in quantitative research methods, high level calculus, longitudinal data analysis, inference and prediction related to health outcomes research.
  • Sound scientific background demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications. High proficiency in scientific technical writing as demonstrated through published work.
  • Innovative and fast learner, with good attitude, able to maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Ability to communicate and work effectively both independently and in a team environment. 

 

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.