BIOSTATISTICIAN II

School of Medicine Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,500 faculty physicians and researchers, more than 1,300 students, and more than 6,000 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, Duke University Health System and the Private Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) comprise Duke Health. a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

The Department of Surgery Lead Biostatistician is a member of the department’s central research administrative organizational structure.  The position will play a crucial role in the statistical analysis and coordination of research projects for faculty members.  This position will work with faculty members to understand needs and provider statistical expertise and /or when necessary, help route projects to other biostatistics groups through the organization, i.e., the BERD core, DCI resources, DCRI resources. The candidate will have training in biostatistics and bioinformatics at either a Master’s degree level, with at least 3 years of post-graduate work experiences preferred.

This position requires a solid command of statistical methods, and excellent communication, team building and leadership skills.

Job Description

Direct Biostatistical Support

Prepares statistical analysis plans. Independently generates descriptive and basic test statistics, analysis of basic data requests and generates statistical modeling results.  Has strong experience in descriptive analytics, survival analysis, multivariable modeling, and clinical trial design including statistical analysis of Phase I, II, and II clinical trial data and has expertise working on production of high-quality academic publications.  Experience with large administrative datasets and strong background in data security preferred. Facility with health care and clinical data, as well as experience with AI and machine learning models strongly preferred but not required. Learns new statistical methods as needed and applies new skills to future projects.

Documents analyses, creates summaries, and presents results in written and verbal form to requestors. Able to work on any phase of a manuscript project, from initial meeting with an investigator to final review of a manuscript prior to submission for publication, with guidance. Builds documentation and organizational skills to effectively return to a trial or manuscript project after long intervals during which no progress was made by other members of the project team. Contributes meaningfully to discussions of analyses and identifies next steps for analyses.

Designs analysis data set specifications through writing own R, SAS and/or S-plus code, finds errors, correct, and validates output and results. Performs complex programming such as data transposition and macros. Programs analysis datasets using R or SAS; combines multiple disparate raw databases and derives analysis variables accurately. Uses complicated SAS procedures and options and programs with increasing efficiency.

Collaborates effectively with statistical programmers that support their clinical trial/projects. Identifies potential data problems from analytic queries and brings them to the attention of the team. Demonstrates understanding of clinical trial/project data collection processes and data sets and shares knowledge with collaborators.

Participates independently in most statistical aspects of a clinical trial/project, with consultation or assistance when needed. Represents the functional group in project team meetings and contributes constructively to project discussions. Understands the contracted scope of work and forecasts monthly hours expected to complete each trial/project. Creates timelines for statistical project management, with assistance from project leader and statistical managers.

Understands study data and the intricacies of the process through which it is being collected. Handles and secures highly confidential and sensitive analyses and documentation. Supports the preparation of Data and Safety Monitoring Board reports and final statistical and study reports, including those intended for regulatory submission, and collaborates with medical writers as needed. Collaborates closely with investigators, sponsors, and other trial leadership to ensure that trial/project results and conclusions are presented accurately and without bias.

Leads or participates actively in the statistical team responsible for designing and validating analysis data sets, programs, and statistical output products (tables, listings, figures). Adheres to standard operating procedures (SOPs) of the functional department as they apply to documentation and validation of clinical research statistics. Understands guidelines from the FDA, ICH, EMEA, NIH, or other regulatory agency as they apply to statistics and programming expectations for each project

Manages project responsibilities with decreasing levels of supervision or regular support and takes initiative to complete project-specific responsibilities with minimal supervision. Demonstrates ability to prioritize projects and multi-task.

Coordination of External Biostatistics Support

Serves as initial point of contact and resource for faculty requiring biostatistics support.  Vets needs, collaborates with additional Department of Surgery research leaders and determines outsourcing options when necessary.

Works collaboratively with external sources of support to determine best financial and support model.

Create and maintain documentation of project vetting, collaboration activities, and progress updates to share with department leadership.

Reporting Lines:

Administrative report to Director of Research Development 

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Work requires a minimum of a Master's degree in (bio)statistics or related field and no relevant experience, or a bachelors degree in (bio) statistics or related field and 2 years relevant experience, or an equivalent combination or relevant education and/or work experience.

Experience

OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE Prior contribution to analysis of research projects, a working knowledge of SAS, and solid command of the English language is required.

Job Code: 00002681 BIOSTATISTICIAN II
Job Level: 74

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