Epidemiology Analyst

UCSF•San Francisco, CA

About The Position

Performs the gathering, analysis, and interpretation of a wide variety of research data. Designs and conducts research including selecting data samples, developing research instruments, analyzing collected information according to established statistical methods, and developing recommendations based on research findings. Prepares reports, charts, tables, and other visual aids to interpret and communicate data and results. The Epidemiologist/Research Data Analyst will work in the Department of Neurology under the direction of the Principal Investigator and in collaboration with faculty investigators, research staff, trainees, and data analysts. The incumbent will support 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 have experience working with a variety of research data sources, including clinical, genetic, administrative, registry, and longitudinal cohort data. The Epidemiologist/Research Data Analyst will independently clean, manage, integrate, and analyze complex datasets while contributing to multiple research projects. The incumbent will collaborate closely with investigators and multidisciplinary research teams to develop rigorous study designs, implement appropriate analytic methods, and effectively communicate findings to both scientific and lay audiences. The successful candidate will be highly organized, possess excellent problem-solving skills, and demonstrate the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in related areas and / or equivalent experience / training.
Minimum three (3) years of experience in a related field / with relevant research experience.
In depth understanding of the Child Health and Development Studies (CHDS) cohort
Experience performing linkages 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 vital status and residential location for participants of a cohort
Experience managing and implementing studies in a large cohort of research participants that include participant contact
Skills in programming, statistical analysis and data management.
Advanced knowledge of biostatistical research methods for epidemiologic studies with a general focus on casual inference and specific focus on analysis of longitudinal data and survival analysis
Advanced knowledge of academic publication process and ability to propose research direction that will lead to impactful research results.
Advanced ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing.
Advanced project management skills. Ability to lead and influence within and external to project team.
Advanced research skills at a level to propose analysis direction, discuss with principal investigators and, when appropriate, devise alternate solutions and develop recommendations.
Advanced ability to think creatively to recommend action steps or strategize solutions relative to research.
Ability to multi-task with 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 work collaboratively 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.
Draw upon expertise in epidemiologic methods, causal inference, survival analysis, and longitudinal data analysis to develop and implement rigorous analytic approaches.
In collaboration with principal investigators, develop multivariable statistical analysis plans using appropriate epidemiologic and statistical methods and independently conduct the planned analyses.
Determine appropriate data sources and integrate information from multiple clinical, research, registry, administrative, and longitudinal datasets using probabilistic matching algorithms with privacy preserving record linkage such as MatchPro.
Design processes that ensure participant confidentiality and compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements for data security and privacy.
Provide statistical input into study design, data collection instruments, and protocol development to ensure studies collect the data necessary to address scientific hypotheses.
Develop dynamic reports, visualizations, and other reporting tools to communicate study progress and research 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, fostering best practices in epidemiologic research and data analysis.
Organize and prioritize analytic activities across multiple concurrent studies and provide leadership in the planning and execution of research data analyses.
Work collaboratively with investigators and study teams to identify innovative analytic approaches that advance research on Parkinson's disease and related neurological disorders.
Designing, planning, and executing statistical analyses particularly of longitudinal data. Choosing the most appropriate statistical approach to answer the research question of interest.
Summarizing results for presentation; reviewing manuscripts; ensuring accuracy of interpretation of results; participating with scientific team in preparing grant applications, manuscripts and presentations, including co-authorship on manuscripts and abstracts;
Providing input for the planning of long-term research studies, including the preparation of proposals, identifying appropriate study designs and statistical methods, design of survey instruments and determining sampling procedures and recruitment strategies, and performing statistical power calculations
To check data quality, develop reports for internal validation and external validation where comparable studies or data sources exist
Mentor more junior researchers such as students, support staff and / or other analysts about research analysis, data entry, and database management.
Conduct record linkage of diverse data sets via probabilistic matching