Independent Biostatistician

JobPurpose

A Lead Biostatistician works independently, carrying out statistical programming, analyses, reporting, validation, consultancy and, where applicable, teaching. This involves managing their own workload, and being responsible for the statistical project management of multiple studies, setting objectives and timelines in agreement with external collaborators and senior staff across functional areas. A Lead Biostatistician should be able to resolve the majority of issues affecting the progress of their statistical projects, and act as a primary contact in relationships with researchers from academia, the NHS, and commercial clients. As statistical collaborator/grant co-applicant, a Lead Biostatistician contributes to the income and reputation of the Centre, and the University, through the delivery of biostatistical work of consistently high quality.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.  To make a leading contribution to the primary research objectives, supporting research projects to deliver optimal outcomes.

2.  To work independently on assigned projects, being accountable for the delivery of statistical tasks [programming, writing analysis plans and reports, and contributing to manuscripts for publication].

3.  To contribute to grant funding applications as statistical co-investigator, leading on their development from initial contact through to submission, to secure funding which makes a significant contribution to the Institute/College/University.

4.  To take responsibility for the implementation of statistical validation processes, and carrying out validation of other biostatisticians’ work, when required.

5.  To supervise more junior statistical staff, and to plan and manage workloads within projects.

6.  To carry out independent research, as required, to improve knowledge of statistical methods and statistical programming.

7.  To act as an independent statistical consultant.

8.  To meet with and present results to external collaborators.

9.  To contribute at a senior level to external study design and planning meetings, project meetings, conferences, and scientific committees.

10. Where relevant, to deliver teaching courses and contribute to the creation of associated materials. Act as a co-supervisor for postgraduate research students as required.

11. To manage project timelines and deliverables, in collaboration with senior staff.

12.   Make a leading contribution to the quality management processes for biostatistics, including production and review of standard operating procedures, participation in regulatory audits (internal and external) and inspections, and adherence to ISO 9001 for quality management / ISO 27001 for information security / Good Clinical Practice / data protection regulations.

13. To take a leading role in collaborations with internal and external partners, with responsibility for the design, statistical costing, planning and implementation of research projects.

14. To contribute at a senior level to the administrative management of the relevant research area.

15.   To advise and give direction to staff within other functional areas of the relevant research area.

16.   To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, Inspiring People Changing The World.

17.   Duties of the post outlined are not exhaustive and the post-holder will be expected to be co-operative and flexible, undertaking such duties as may be reasonably expected by management. The duties of the post will be subject to review in line with changing requirements, both internal and external.

Qualifications
Essential

**A1 **Postgraduate qualification [Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 11, [Masters Degree] or equivalent professional experience.

A2  Expert and broad knowledge of relevant statistics and statistical analysis methods.

A3 Expert and broad understanding of study design, appropriate to the relevant discipline or research project.

Desirable
B1 Extensive knowledge of the requirements of ICH Good Clinical Practice and all other legal, regulatory and data protection requirements in the delivery of clinical trials data statistical analysis and reporting functions.

B2 An awarded PhD in statistics, statistics and mathematics, or biostatistics.

Skills
Essential

C1 Expert statistical programming skills, including extensive IT and data analysis / interpretation skills.

C2 Excellent communication skills [oral and written], including ability to communicate complex and/or large volume data clearly and concisely to non-statisticians.

C3 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.

C4 Excellent workload and prioritisation skills, including the ability to work under pressure and balance competing demands whilst sustaining quality output.

C5 Significant experience of independence, structuring own workload and delivering high quality outputs within necessary timescales.

C6 Reliable, trustworthy and able to maintain confidentiality.

C7 Significant problem-solving skills including a creative, flexible and pragmatic approach.

Desirable
D1 Statistical programming skills using SAS.
D2 Public presentation skills.

Experience
Essential

E1 Demonstrable experience in similar biostatistician role, carrying out similar duties to high standard.

E2 Demonstrable experience in validating other statisticians work, offering support, guidance, direction and feedback as necessary.
E3 Demonstrable experience of complex statistical programming, handling high volume, complex and sensitive data.
E4 Experience of contributing to overall research objectives, acting as co-investigator and creating research proposals and planning work.
E5 Experience of publishing in high-quality, high impact journals
E6 Statistical grant-holder, or named clinical trial statistician

Desirable
F1 Substantial period of working experience of SAS programming.
F2 Experience of presenting at national and international conferences.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 8, £48,350 - £56,021 per annum.

This post is full time and open ended.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.