Scientist, Biostatistics & Bioinformatics (BBI) Core

The Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Core at the Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center at Houston Methodist plays a crucial role in advancing cancer research through the application of statistical methodologies in clinical trial design, data analysis, and translational research. The Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center is soliciting applications for PhD level Biostatisticians at the level of Assistant or Early Associate Professor, reporting to the Director of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Core. Desirable candidates should have experience and expertise in oncology clinical trial design focusing primarily on clinical translation of basic research discoveries and early phase trials. Applicants must have a PhD in Biostatistics or Statistics and a record of peer-reviewed publications showing evidence of productive and collaborative methodological research. Applicants must also demonstrate excellent oral and written communications skills and have an interest in biomedical collaborations. Successful candidates will join a highly interactive institution that is committed to bridging basic discovery to clinical application through collaboration. This position offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including clinicians, translational scientists, and researchers, to enhance the understanding and treatment of cancer.

Key Responsibilities:

Study Design Support

• Collaborate with clinicians and researchers in the design, analysis, and interpretation of clinical trials and observational studies focused on cancer research.
• Offer design suggestions and alternatives to investigators for addressing their aims, including assessing appropriateness and feasibility.
• Contribute to grant writing as a collaborator with the principal investigator, specifically drafting the statistical considerations section of grants or developing statistical cores for larger grants like program projects or center grants.
• Develop statistical considerations, analysis methods, and sample size considerations for studies.
• Engage in the preparation and review of manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations for scientific publications and conferences, contributing statistical insights and data interpretation.
• Provide guidance to the data management team on proposed studies, particularly in terms of database design.
• Review electronic case report form designs to ensure accurate and analyzable capture of all study evaluations.
• Serve as a core member of committees relevant to clinical trials, such as the Protocol Review and Monitoring Committee (PRMC) and Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), providing statistical input and guidance.
• Contribute to educational activities within the Cancer Center, including mentoring students, fellows, and junior faculty on statistical methodologies and applications in cancer research. 

Data Analysis

• Develop comprehensive statistical analysis plans (SAP) in adherence to the Division's Standard Operating Procedure for all studies necessitating such a plan.
• Directly perform statistical analyses and generating graphical representations.
• Condense findings into succinct summaries and draft technical reports for investigators. Additionally, contribute to papers by writing relevant sections such as methods and results.
• Aid investigators in implementing analysis plans and interpreting results, facilitating the preparation of research findings for publication.
• Collaborate closely on manuscript production and the creation of materials for conference presentations.

Methodological Research

• Develop new methods or new applications for existing methods and new research, independently or collaboratively with other methodologists.
• Present in regional or national/international conferences in biostatistics, epidemiology, clinical trials, or public health.
• Participate in peer reviews for journals and review sections.
• Participate in Data and Safety Monitoring Boards or other oversight committees as the biostatistician member.
• Stay abreast of advancements in biostatistics, clinical trial methodologies, and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and adoption of best practices. 

Qualifications:

1. PhD in Biostatistics or a related field with a focus on statistical methodologies applied to clinical research, cancer epidemiology, or translational science.
2. Demonstrated experience in the design, analysis, and interpretation of clinical trials, preferably in the context of oncology or cancer-related research.
3. Proficiency in statistical software packages such as Python, R, SAS, SPSS, or STATA, with the ability to conduct complex statistical analyses and develop innovative methodologies.
4. Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, convey statistical concepts to non-statistical audiences, and contribute to scientific publications and grant proposals.
5. Previous experience in an academic or research-oriented environment, with a track record of scholarly activities such as publications, presentations, and grant applications.
6. Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a dynamic research environment.
7. Experience serving on committees related to clinical trials, protocol development, or data monitoring is desirable.

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Coordinates and provides technical direction to the work activities of research staff engaged in projects.

• Performs and supervises those procedures which require a highly developed technical skill.

• Conducts self in a manner that is congruent with cultural diversity, equity and inclusion principles. Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Designs, develops, or adapts equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results.

• Establishes procedures to be applied for projects.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops and publishes in high impact journals.

• Defines problems and possible solutions as dictated by the research project.

• Analyzes data and interprets data.

• Identifies appropriate internal controls for department; provides mechanisms to monitor and enforce compliance.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Administers funds provided by the specific grant(s).

• Develops and manages independent grant portfolio.

• Utilizes resources with cost effectiveness and value creation in mind. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Reviews scientific literature.

• Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• Doctorate degree in related field

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience in related field of study