Senior Biostatistician

Senior Biostatistician
9792BO - Research Professional 6 - Biostatistics

Position Summary

The Masonic Cancer Center (MCC) of the University of Minnesota seeks a highly experienced Senior Biostatistician (Research Professional 6) to provide statistical leadership across a diverse portfolio of cancer research. This role involves oversight for multiple study aspects, including study design, grant/protocol writing, complex data analysis, and dissemination of results.

This position requires extensive statistical subject matter expertise, the capacity to research and apply new methodologies, and the ability to explain complex findings to a diverse audience. The successful candidate will independently manage their workflow, adapt to highly variable research design, and contribute to departmental leadership discussions and decisions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Statistical Leadership & Study Design (~40%)
   1. Study Design & Consultation: Serve as the primary statistical leader and resource, consulting with investigators on the design, conduct, and analysis of diverse studies, including basic and pre-clinical experiments, clinical trials, epidemiology studies, and surveys.
   2. Methodology Selection: Select and apply appropriate statistical methods, often new or advanced, for various research areas. Continually research and learn new statistical methodologies to maintain best research practices. Prepare accurate sample size and power calculations.
   3. Grant & Protocol Development: Provide statistical expertise for securing research funding. Write appropriate statistical methods sections and contribute to the writing of grant applications, ensuring the proposed design and methods have strong statistical rationale. Participate in preparation of study protocols for MCC Review Committee and Institutional Review Board.
      
2. Data Management & Analysis (~30%)
   1. Data Quality Assurance: Provide guidance on data collection methods to ensure high quality data for analysis and understand the assumptions and limitations of various analyses to ensure rigor and validity.
   2. Database Management: Develop and maintain project databases, preferably using Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap).
   3. Analysis Execution: Perform statistical analysis methods to appropriately answer research questions.
   4. Randomization: Prepare randomization schedules as appropriate.
      
3. Scientific Communication & Dissemination (~15%)
   1. Results Presentation: Clearly present and interpret study designs, statistical methods, and research results through excellent written and oral communication to diverse research teams, non-researchers, and Data Safety and Monitoring Boards.
   2. Manuscript Co-Authorship: Lead or co-author peer-reviewed manuscripts, focusing on writing the statistical methods and results sections, preparing tables and figures, and fully engaging in the editing and review process.
      
4. Leadership & Institutional Contribution (~15%)
   1. Independent Workflow Management: Independently initiate and maintain workflow, proactively forecast time demands, and maintain adequate funding for support.
   2. Institutional Improvement: Contribute to the overall direction and work of the Masonic Cancer Center (MCC), the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) and the Clinical Research Support Center (CRSC), assisting in the design and improvement of research procedures (e.g., protocol reviews and data and safety monitoring). Participate in departmental leadership discussions and decisions, offering thoughtful suggestions related to obtaining new research funds and projects, and reproducible workflows.
   3. Mentorship/Supervision: May be called upon to lead meetings or assume other supervisory and mentoring (of same/lower rank professionals) responsibilities in the absence of the department supervisor.

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Advanced degree in Biostatistics, Statistics, or a closely related quantitative related field.
• Experience: 6-10 years of experience as an applied statistician.
• Technical Skills:
  • High-level knowledge and hands-on experience with statistical software (e.g., SAS and R).
  • Familiarity with relational databases and data manipulation.
• Scientific Impact: Demonstrated track record of contribution to scientific literature, including co-authorship on multiple peer-reviewed publications.
• Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively translate statistical concepts to non-statistical audiences.
• Organization Skills: Proven ability to manage multiple simultaneous tasks and deadlines with a high degree of organization and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Training and/or experience with biological sciences.
• Familiarity with translational or clinical research methods and data.

The University of Minnesota Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) mission is to accelerate and improve clinical and translational science research, education and improve health. CTSI provides consultation, training, support, and services to researchers and research teams across the translational continuum. CTSI is part of the national, NIH-funded Clinical Translational Science Award (CTSA) program/consortium that works together to improve the efficiency, quality, and impact of clinical and translational research and science.

Pay Range: $115K-$125K; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).