Assistant Professor of Biostatistics

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Allied Health Sciences (AHS) in the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR) at the University of Connecticut invites applications for a faculty appointment as tenure-track AHS Assistant Professor of Biostatistics. This is a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track appointment with an expected start date of August 23, 2024.

We invite candidates with expertise in biostatistics and methods for the analysis of complex experimental and observational data in one or more of the following areas: adaptive interventions (e.g., Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions, Multimodal Adaptive Interventions, Multilevel Adaptive Implementation Strategies) and trials (e.g., Sequential, Multiple Assignment, Randomized Trials, Micro-Randomized Trials, Hybrid Experimental Designs); intensive longitudinal data analyses (e.g., EMA); and/or cost-effective analysis. The successful candidate will have strong expertise in at least one (but not all) of these areas. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise and interest in conducting and analyzing randomized trials to test behavioral interventions.

The candidate should have experience in health-related research and collaborating with researchers from health-related disciplines (e.g., psychology, epidemiology, public health, marketing, nutrition science, kinesiology, genetic sciences, occupational health, medicine). The candidate is expected to develop a strong, independent, extramurally-funded, innovative research program in a health-related area that addresses and complements existing departmental research activities in obesity, HIV/AIDS, substance use, digital health, nutrition, food policy, cancer prevention, and public health. Additionally, the candidate will be expected to collaborate with Department faculty on grant-funded projects in the role of statistical scientist. In the area of teaching, the successful candidate will share a deep commitment to effective instruction in biostatistics/analytic methods at the undergraduate and graduate levels and will mentor graduate students.

Allied Health Sciences is one of eight academic departments in the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR). It is a large, vibrant, multidisciplinary department dedicated to advancing knowledge through research, teaching, advising, and community engagement. With more than 30 faculty, over 800 undergraduates (40% of whom are non-white), 15 post-baccalaureate students, and 50 graduate students, we actively engage in educating and training the next generation of health professionals. The Department offers an undergraduate major in Allied Health Sciences with multiple concentrations; three nationally accredited professional programs; four post-baccalaureate programs, two master’s programs; and a Ph.D. program in Health Promotion Sciences. Departmental faculty conduct grant-funded research in obesity, HIV/AIDS, digital health, nutrition, food policy, health disparities, cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention, women’s health, big data and research methodologies, and public/community-engaged health. Diversity is one of UConn’s core values, and our Department strives to be an inclusive educational institution that attracts, retains, and values talented people from all backgrounds.

The College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources has developed and implemented a Strategic Vision to guide the development and focus of our teaching, research, and extension programs in the years 2020-2025. The successful candidate will be expected to make significant contributions to at least one of CAHNR’s five strategic initiatives .

• Ensuring a vibrant agricultural industry and sustainable food supply  
• Enhancing health and well-being locally, nationally, and globally  
• Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through anti-racist approaches
• Designing sustainable landscapes across urban-rural interfaces  
• Advancing resilience and adaptation in a changing climate  

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate is expected to contribute to the research and scholarship mission of the University through extramural funding, high-quality publications, and national/international recognition. In the area of teaching, the successful candidate will share a deep commitment to effective instruction and advising/mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the Department’s curriculum by teaching existing courses and/or developing new and innovative courses.

The successful candidate will also be expected to broaden participation among members of under-represented groups in academic and career development activities; demonstrate through their research, teaching, and/or public engagement the richness of diversity in the learning experience; integrate multicultural experiences into instructional methods and research tools; and demonstrate leadership in developing pedagogical techniques designed to meet the needs of diverse learning styles and intellectual interests.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A doctoral degree in a relevant discipline such as biostatistics, statistics, epidemiology, or quantitative psychology.
• A record of health-related research scholarship as evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
• Evidence of successful collaborations with researchers in one or more disciplines external to their own.
• Expertise in one or more of the innovative health research methodologies and analytics areas listed above.
• Evidence of promise as an independent investigator on extramurally funded projects.
• Demonstrated potential for teaching undergraduate and/or graduate biostatistics/methods/analytic courses.
• Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication and strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity through teaching and research.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A record of health-related research inquiry as evidenced by grant funding and/or submitted grant applications.
• Postdoctoral research experience.
• Potential for the candidate to develop strong collaborations with faculty within the Department and College.
• Demonstrated potential for supervising graduate and/or undergraduate student research.
• Experience teaching undergraduate and/or biostatistics/methods/analytic courses.
• Demonstrated success in meeting the needs of diverse student populations and/or reaching out to diverse communities.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a 9-month, tenure-track position with an expected start date of August 23, 2024, and will support the Department’s mission to be a national and international leader in health promotion science, education, and research. The successful candidate’s primary academic appointment will be at the Storrs campus. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

TO APPLY 

Please apply online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/26502 and submit the following application materials:

• A cover letter,
• Curriculum vitae,
• Research and scholarship statement (innovative concepts that will form the basis of academic career, experience in proposal development, mentorship of graduate students, etc.);
• Teaching and advising statement (including teaching/advising philosophy, teaching/advising experience, commitment to effective learning, concepts for new course development, etc.);
• Commitment to diversity statement (including broadening participation, integrating multicultural experiences in instruction and research and pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of diverse learning styles, etc.);
• Three letters of reference.

Only applications submitted via Academic Jobs Online will be accepted. Review of applications will begin on December 13th and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries should be sent to the search committee chair, Michael Copenhaver ([email protected] ).

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This position will be filled subject the budgetary approval.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp .

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce.  The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner.  This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all.  We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.