Epidemiologist

UCSF•San Francisco, CA

About The Position

The Epidemiologist / Biostatistician will work in the Department of Neurology under the direction of the Principal Investigator and collaborate with faculty investigators, research staff, trainees, and data analysts. The role supports epidemiologic studies focused on Parkinson's disease and related neurological disorders, applying statistical and epidemiologic methods to investigate disease risk, progression, treatment effectiveness, and patient outcomes. The successful candidate will work with clinical, genetic, administrative, registry, and longitudinal cohort data. They will independently clean, manage, integrate, and analyze complex datasets while contributing to multiple research projects. In collaboration with investigators, the incumbent will develop study designs, implement analytic methods, and communicate findings to scientific and lay audiences. The position includes designing and conducting research, selecting data samples, developing research instruments, analyzing information using established statistical methods, and developing recommendations from findings. It also includes preparing reports, charts, tables, visualizations, and other tools to interpret and communicate data and results. The Department of Neurology at UCSF is committed to exceptional clinical care, transformative research, training future leaders, and making a worldwide impact through global and public health efforts.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience or training.
At least three years of experience in a related field or relevant research experience.
In-depth understanding of the Child Health and Development Studies (CHDS) cohort.
Experience linking data with public health surveillance databases such as the California Death Master File, using probabilistic matching software such as MatchPro.
Experience completing state regulatory documents such as the California Department of Public Health Vital Statistics Application.
Experience reporting on and maintaining large epidemiologic databases.
Experience using databases to update cohort participants' vital status and residential location.
Experience managing and implementing studies in a large cohort of research participants, including participant contact.
Programming, statistical analysis, and data management skills.
Advanced knowledge of biostatistical research methods for epidemiologic studies, with a general focus on causal inference and a specific focus on longitudinal data and survival analysis.
Advanced knowledge of the academic publication process and ability to propose research directions that lead to impactful results.
Advanced ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing.
Advanced project management skills and ability to lead and influence within and outside the project team.
Advanced research skills, including proposing analysis directions, discussing them with principal investigators, devising alternate solutions when appropriate, and developing recommendations.
Advanced ability to think creatively and recommend action steps or strategies for research challenges.
Ability to multitask within demanding timeframes.
Ability to work discreetly with sensitive and confidential data.
Ability to mentor less experienced analysts in statistical techniques and offer research advice.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree.
Experience working in an academic environment.
Familiarity with SPSS.

Responsibilities

Report to the Principal Investigator and collaborate with faculty investigators, research staff, trainees, and data analysts to achieve study objectives.
Plan, design, and oversee data management and statistical analyses for multiple epidemiologic and clinical research studies.
Apply epidemiologic methods, causal inference, survival analysis, and longitudinal data analysis to develop and implement rigorous analytic approaches.
Develop multivariable statistical analysis plans with principal investigators and independently conduct the planned analyses.
Determine appropriate data sources and integrate information from clinical, research, registry, administrative, and longitudinal datasets.
Design processes to protect participant confidentiality and comply with institutional and regulatory requirements for data security and privacy.
Provide statistical input on study design, data collection instruments, and protocols so studies collect information needed to address scientific hypotheses.
Develop dynamic reports, visualizations, and reporting tools to communicate study progress and findings to investigators, collaborators, sponsors, and broader audiences.
Prepare statistical sections of grant proposals, manuscripts, presentations, technical reports, and other scholarly products.
Mentor, train, and provide statistical and methodological guidance to research staff, trainees, and junior analysts.
Organize and prioritize analytic work across concurrent studies and provide leadership in planning and executing research data analyses.
Collaborate with investigators and study teams to identify innovative analytic approaches for research on Parkinson's disease and related neurological disorders.
Design, plan, and execute statistical analyses, particularly of longitudinal data, and select appropriate methods to answer research questions.
Summarize results for presentation, review manuscripts, ensure accurate interpretation of results, and participate in preparing grant applications, manuscripts, and presentations, including co-authorship on manuscripts and abstracts.
Contribute to long-term research planning, including proposals, study designs and statistical methods, survey instruments, sampling procedures, recruitment strategies, and statistical power calculations.
Develop reports to check data quality through internal and, where possible, external validation against comparable studies or data sources.
Supervise and mentor junior researchers, including students, support staff, and analysts, in research analysis, data entry, and database management.