Careers

Description:

Position Title: Biostatistician
FLSA Status: Hourly/Non-Exempt
Employment Type: Regular, Full-Time; $35-48hour DOE
Class: Professional
Reports To: Sarah Payne 
PI/Project: Debby Tsuang

At the Seattle Institute for Biomedical and Clinical Research (SIBCR), scientists seek new ways to improve the health and well-being of Veterans through research and education conducted at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS). You will also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities, and the chance to be a part of an important mission.  

SIBCR’s research spans a broad range of areas such as mental health; neuroscience; diabetes, endocrinology and nutrition; prosthetics; oncology; age-related diseases; and, pulmonary diseases. We are seeking a Biostatistician for Dr. Debby Tsuang in the Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC).  

Summary:

The Biostatistician will work with an experienced group of investigators committed to high-quality research at the Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC).  This individual will support and collaborate with GRECC researchers on epidemiological, clinical, and genetic studies of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain injury).  Primary scientific responsibilities will be the application of statistics to observational health research including the design, analysis, interpretation, and documentation phases.

Essential Functions and Duties:

• Work with the senior PhD biostatistician, medical investigators, and research associates to design, analyze, and present/publish results of biomarker, epidemiological, and genetic studies related to neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders.
• Work with researchers to identify relevant research questions and appropriate analysis design.
• Work with research associates to extract and create databases for statistical analysis.
• Implement and program statistical software for data cleaning and data analysis.
• Work with research associates and medical investigators to ensure high data quality.
• Document, present, and explain statistical analyses.
• Collaborate with GRECC researchers on manuscripts, posters, and other presentations of results.
• Collaborate with GRECC researchers to identify new topics for investigation.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of the job.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Demands:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position, including sitting or standing, for extended periods while working at a computer.
• Ability to move about the work environment occasionally to attend meetings, access equipment or collaborate with colleagues.
• Ability to use a computer and statistical software extensively, including continuous keyboard and mouse use (fine motor skills required).
• Ability to perform repetitive hand and finger motions for coding, data analysis and report development.
• Ability to reach, bend, crouch or stoop occasionally to retrieve documents or supplies.
• Ability to communicate effectively, including speaking and hearing in person, via phone, and virtual meetings.
• Ability to read, interpret and analyze complex datasets and technical documents, requiring close visual acuity and attention to detail.
• Ability to lift and carry light items, up to 10-15 pounds, such as laptops, files or reference materials.
• Rare or occasional climbing or balancing (e.g., using a step stool to access files or storage areas) may be required.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed primarily in an office or remote work environment.
• Work is typically performed during regular business hours, with occasional extended hours during project deadlines, clinical study milestones or publication timelines.
• Limited travel may be required for meetings, training, or company events.
• Environment is generally quiet and climate controlled.
• Requires prolonged screen time and intense concentration on complex statistical modeling and data analysis.
• Must have access to reliable internet connection for remote work.
• Must have reliable transportation to travel to work sites.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to assist individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Disclaimer:

The above description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work performed; it is not intended as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and required skills for the position.  Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions an

Skills/Eligibility:

Required Qualifications:

• MS degree in biostatistics, statistics, or closely related field, and at least 2 years of experience post degree.
• Experience with research design, data collection, and data analysis.
• Proficient in the statistical software package R. (Experience with SQL, SPSS and/or Python a plus.)
• Excellent programming skills.
• Proficient with MS EXCEL and MS Word.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of researchers with varying levels of statistical and research experience.
• Ability to work independently and with limited supervision.
• Flexible with changing priorities and timelines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in statistical genetics a plus.