Biostatistician (principal statistical associate) - clinical research

Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence-based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our dedication to improving lives through research and our approach to projects grounded in investigative curiosity, statistical and data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology are why clients find exceptional value in our work.

Westat is seeking a Principal Statistical Associate - Biostatistician to lead statistical analyses on various clinical research projects involving data from clinical trials, clinical and epidemiologic studies, and administrative datasets. In this role, you will collaborate with sponsors, external investigators, and internal project team members on a variety of federal research projects, including Phase 1- 4 randomized clinical trials. You will design cutting-edge studies, conduct data analysis for Westat projects, and contribute to peer-reviewed scientific publications. You will present computational and statistical analysis results to collaborators and assist them with data access, analysis, and interpretation of results. You will build appropriate algorithms and techniques to answer defined clinical and treatment outcomes and epidemiologic questions, ensuring that results are scientifically robust and well documented. This position is eligible for a remote work arrangement, applicants must be based in the U.S.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and collaborate with sponsors, external investigators and other Westat staff on the development and review of study protocols, including the selection of appropriate trial/study designs and statistical methodology with special emphasis on Bayesian methods.
• Develop study aims and research hypotheses and assess appropriateness and feasibility.
• Estimate optimal sample size for the desired power, recognizing resource limitations of individual research studies.
• Develop statistical considerations and analysis methods for study protocols.
• Develop statistical analysis plans for research projects including guiding the data management team in terms of database design, selection of statistical methods, creation of project timelines, and development of formats for presenting results.
• Oversee, lead, and consult on all phases of analytical programming, data management, macros, quality control and reporting of research data.
• Conduct statistical analysis for clinical trials, clinical studies and epidemiological projects including implementation and refinement of statistical methods, preparation of formatted tables of results and other outputs, verification of the accuracy of results, and assumption of primary responsibility for the analysis and presentation of project data.
• Lead efforts in researching, recommending, and implementing methods to validate, troubleshoot, and interpret results.
• Participate in quality control and quality assurance processes and review code output, tables, and charts.
• Present analytic results orally and in writing to internal and external audiences, incorporating descriptions of methods, relevant literature, and other background material to provide context for the results.
• Serve as a data resource for research project teams and interact directly with clients and external investigators.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in Biostatistics or a related quantitative field of study and 5 years of post-doctoral relevant experience, including 1-2 years in the design, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of clinical trials.
• Experience in health research, advanced data analysis, and in analyzing research data using statistical packages.
• Experience with R, SAS, and other statistical packages.

Preferred Qualifications

• Skill and expertise in a broad range of statistical methods and approaches for clinical trials and epidemiologic research.
• Deep knowledge and experience in the application of Bayesian adaptive and SMART designs and approaches to clinical trials and clinical interventions, including simulation planning and the use of synthetic data.
• Proven ability to plan, direct, develop and present statistical analysis methods and plans to clients and academic collaborators.
• Demonstrated capability to work in study teams, lead biostatistical plans and oversee staff, and guide others in application of statistical methods.

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in: Employee Stock Ownership Plan 401(k) Retirement Plan Paid Parental Leave Vacation Leave (20 days per year) Sick Leave (9 days per year) Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays) Professional Development Health Advocate Employee Assistance Program Travel Accident Insurance Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Short Term Disability Insurance Long Term Disability Insurance Life and AD&D Insurance Critical Illness Insurance Supplemental Life Insurance Flexible Spending Account Health Savings Account

Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history. Any background screening results will be evaluated through an individualized assessment based on the individual’s specific record and the duties and requirements of the position. This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and may be removed from posting after 100 applications have been received.

Employment Eligibility: This is a U.S.-based position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Westat does not offer employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) for this role. Depending on project requirements, some positions may require employees to meet specific residency criteria.

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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