Research Biostatistician

Brown Medicine•Providence, RI

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Director [Jason Machan, PhDthena Poppas, MD], provides collaborative support to researchers in the Cardiovascular Institute, and other departments as assigned, for all phases of research. Supports database design, statistical analysis plan and performance, and contributes to grant and manuscript preparation. Determines best practice in database management and statistical analysis in order to manage data and create focused statistical/biostatistical computational analysis in accordance with the research project needs. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another. In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include: Instill Trust and Value Differences Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate

Requirements

Master’s degree in Biostatistics, Statistics or Quantitative Methodology, Epidemiology, or closely related field required.
Knowledge of research methodology and statistics, as well as expertise in at least one of the following statistical software packages: SAS, STATA, R, SPSS.
Deep understanding of the general linear model and generalized linear modeling, including with random effects and correlated error implementations.
Understanding of methods for analyzing studies based on specifics of sampling plan (e.g. primary sampling units, clustering, and inverse probability weighting).
Experience in analysis of naturalistic and longitudinal data required.
Knowledge of propensity scoring and related techniques, as well as causal modeling.
Two years related experience in high level statistical analysis of large, complex and varied databases, or the equivalent, preferably in academic, medical, or pharmaceutical research environment.
Emphasis on human-subjects with experience preparing and complying with HIPAA guidelines.

Nice To Haves

Preferred knowledge of data management/database such as Microsoft Access and REDCap.
Knowledge of ICD-9/10 codes, data extraction from administrative datasets including Medicare, National Inpatient Sample, National Readmission Database is highly desirable.
Familiarity with cardiovascular disease datasets such as the American College of Cardiology National Cardiovascular Data Registries, or ability to learn them, is expected.
Pediatric subjects or other vulnerable populations a plus.
Co-authorship in peer-reviewed publications and presentations also a plus.

Responsibilities

Provides collaborative and dynamic statistical analysis support to researchers in the Department; may provide support to other research areas.
Organizes meetings with researchers to gather information, determine their needs and to discuss the availability of data and viable study approach.
Formulates research designs including selection of appropriate measures, analysis methods, and power analysis.
Understands data protection and operates in a manner which ensures HIPAA compliant databases, forms, and data management protocols.
Provides real-time assessment of the impacts of design modifications and interim analysis.
At study conception and throughout period of data collection, conceptualizes and implements the analysis plan and post hoc analyses, assesses validity of collected data, creates effective and publication quality visualizations and study write-up.
Assists in the peer-review process.
Collaborates with Principal Investigators in the development of protocols to ensure optimal quantitative methodology and the integrity of resulting statistical analysis.
May recommend and negotiates changes to applications with principal investigators, department administration, sponsors and/or subcontractors associated with the research project in areas of data acquisition and analysis to optimize accuracy of research findings and ensure full compliance with all applicable statutory requirements (e.g., patient privacy).
Maintains communications with research review committees to keep current on statutory requirements, Brown University Health policies and concerns.
Maintains up-to-date knowledge of any pending statutory changes that will impact the way data is collected, stored or analyzed.
Maintains the ability to detect areas where new regulations need to be interpreted and data collection or analysis methods modified to maintain compliance.
Identifies barriers to achieving best research data practices.
Initiates action to remove those barriers, working collaboratively with Researchers, Research Administration, internal and external resources as needed to achieve improvements.
Responsibilities may include establishing procedures and standards for quality assurance of documentation and data analysis.
May establish ‘best practices’ for structured system design to assure functional integrity, most efficient programming techniques.
Maintains current knowledge of statistical and database management software applications through vendors and professional societies.
Recommends statistical software packages to Principal Investigators best suited for research projects.