Job Description

The Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition (MET) has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer Senior to join their team. 

The Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition (MET) has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Scientist/Engineer Senior position to support studies within the Pyle and Bjornstad Laboratories. Housed within the University of Washington Medicine Diabetes Institute at the South Lake Union campus, the Pyle laboratory applies translational data science to bridge complex biostatistics and bioinformatics findings into medical insights. The Bjornstad and Pyle laboratories focus on metabolic and hemodynamic mechanisms underlying the development of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Type 1 (T1D) and Type 2 (T2D) diabetes and obesity.

The field of research this position is engaged in is Biostatistics and data analysis. This research applies translational data science to bridge complex biostatistics and bioinformatics findings into medical insights. This Research utilizes applied or computational mathematical and statistical analyses for a wide array of different applications and to solve complex problems. This position will work independently and in collaboration with investigators on all biostatistical aspects of the research process including the design of new studies, structuring data collection systems, data reduction and analysis, and preparation of abstracts, talks, and manuscripts. They will provide professional and rigorous statistical expertise. This position will teach biostatistics concepts to trainees and the job duties will include ongoing teaching and mentorship responsibilities. In addition to the role as biostatistician, they will also take on the role of Assistant Director and will have responsibilities related to the day-to-day management and operations of the UW Medicine Diabetes Institute (UWMDI) Biostatistics and Research Operations. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

Consulting Biostatistician 50%

• Collaborate with faculty at the UWMDI on scholarly research projects, including activities such as: NIH and other Federal grant submissions, manuscript and abstract writing, protocol review, power and sample size calculations, statistical data analysis, data management and integration, data visualization, and reproducible research

• Lead research teams in establishing, managing, and executing analytic plans

• Provide ongoing education and mentorship on biostatistics to collaborators and trainees (students, residents, fellows)

• Teach special topic workshops or seminar series

• Derive new methods to analyze diabetes specific data, leading to grant funding, accepted abstracts and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

• Promote practices that support diversity, equity, and inclusion within research projects

• Attend statistical methodology training courses to stay up to date on methodology relevant to research at UWMDI

• Travel to conferences (national and international) related to diabetes or statistical methodology

Assistant Director of Biostatistics and Research Operations 50%

• Lead the design and implementation of organizational systems and policies that enhance operational efficiency

• Create and oversee comprehensive project management frameworks, including resource allocation, timeline management, and deliverable tracking

• Establish and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) for measuring group productivity and success

• Participate in leadership discussions to set priorities and define scopes of work.

• Identify opportunities for new collaborations and service offerings

• Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices across projects

• Advise UWMDI leadership on team structure, allocation of resources, motivation and engagement of the research team

• Review new project requests from faculty for feasibility, performing scope of work exercises, and assigning projects to biostatisticians within the Group

• Project management duties, such as tracking ongoing projects to completion

• Run meetings within the Group

• Manage expectations, resolve issues, and ensure satisfaction of collaborators

• Participate in search committees for hiring of new full time and student biostatisticians, as the needs of the Group grow

• Supervise, hire and train other biostatisticians and bioinformaticians within the Group, including identifying training needs and opportunities, providing mentorship, and addressing any issues

Research Sponsors/Stakeholders: NIH, ADA

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS  

• Master's degree in Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Computational Biology, Data Science, Computer Science or related field AND 8 years of relevant work experience.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS  

Specific knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job satisfactorily include:

•   Advanced knowledge of statistical principles relevant in medical research, including longitudinal data analysis and survival analysis

•   Ability to analyze and solve complex problems and apply quantitative analytical approaches

•   Ability to develop complex analytical plans in collaboration with investigators

•   Demonstrated fluency in one or more programming languages (e.g., R, Python, Perl, Java, C++) and willingness to learn new programming languages as necessary

•   Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally

•   Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution

•   Outstanding customer service skills

•   Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion

•   Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information

•   Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously within rigorous timelines

•   Demonstrated experience writing federal grant submissions, including power and sample size calculations

•   Demonstrated experience leading research teams and managing daily operations of a collaborative biostatistics/data science group

•   Demonstrated experience supervising biostatisticians and data scientists, including identifying training needs and opportunities and providing mentorship

Knowledge, skills and abilities that are desirable, providing for an enhanced level of job performance, include:

•  Ability to develop new statistical and analytical methods leading to grant funding and accepted abstracts and publications in peer-reviewed journals

•  Experience with Linux operating systems, high performance computing

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Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

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About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.