Public

    Health

  Ontario

Position Title: Biostatistician

• Identify appropriate statistical tools for use in signal detection related to public health surveillance, preparedness, and response in Ontario;
• Enhance the capacity of PHO to analyze data and generate forecasts using time-series models, spatial analysis techniques, and mixed spatial-temporal approaches;
• Work collaboratively to guide epidemiological colleagues in the optimal use of methods for study design and statistical analysis of epidemiological data;
• Help to identify and develop the infrastructure (e.g., identify software needs) and networks (e.g., with academic partners) necessary to build capacity for biostatistical capacity withinPHO;
• Assemble a documentary record of biostatistical practices and resourcesat PHO;
• Contribute to the design and analysis of large, population-based cohort studies that are conducted by PHO and its affiliates. Contributions will include input on optimal approaches to sampling and measurement, and on the use of data analysis methods appropriate for multilevel data and repeated measurements.
• As PHO operates a large diagnostic microbiology laboratory service, the biostatistician will also serve as a resource on statistical issues in laboratory research and evaluation such as characterization of diagnostic test performance.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and resource withinPHO, and as a liaison between PHOand modellers from partner agencies (including Public Health Agency of Canada, Statistics Canada, the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, and the Institut Nationale de la Sante Publique de Quebec);
• Engage in knowledge translation activities, including presentation of findings, initiatives, and relevant PHOactivities at meetings and conferences, including national and international scientific meetings, and build and maintain a network of external partners at Ontario research and educational institutions;
• Engage in improving the understanding of biostatistical methods as tools that support optimal public health decision making, through both formal and informal internal teaching and mentorship activities.

• Most importantly, a flexible attitude to being exposed to and learning about new content areas and statistical methods, and an aptitude for communication with colleagues from diverse professional backgrounds.
• Broad theoretical and practical knowledge of statistical methods such as those applied to public health surveillance, analysis of cohort and case-control data;
• Theoretical knowledge in areas such as time series analysis, longitudinal data analysis, spatial-temporal models, and methods related to repeated measurements and non-independent data would be desirable;
• An interest in Bayesian and likelihood-based methods, or knowledge of statistical issues in the assessment of diagnostic tests would be desirable;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to function both independently in a self-directed fashion with limited supervision, and also to serve as an approachable and helpful in-house consultant and educator on statistical methods;
• Experience in teaching both statistical and non-statistical students
• Broad knowledge and expertise related to the utilization of statistical software packages (e.g. R, SAS, SPSS, Stata). A high level of expertise with primary programming (e.g., in C/C+, Java, etc.) would be desirable;
• Good analytical, report-writing and oral communication skills;
• Strong attention to detail and excellent time-management skills;
• Comfortable with working in a “matrix” work structure, with a work culture of collegiality, creativity, and interdisciplinary.

• Masters-level degree from an accredited college or university in statistics, biostatistics or in a relevant field which may include (but not limited to) applied mathematics, economics, or mathematical epidemiology;
• Practical experience in statistical consultation such as working with large databases, management of spatially and temporally coded data, or experience with approaches to missing data;
• Comfort with collaborating with projects which involve the integration of biostatistical methods and concepts into policy briefs, scientific papers and reports, for communication with stakeholders;
• Prior experience in a jurisdictional public health authority is desirable.