You will provide intellectual input into the methods developed as part of an ARC Linkage Project with St Andrew’s Medical Institute. The position will focus on developing and implementing statistical methods for improved monitoring and review of cardiac, orthopedic and neurological practice.
| Position Title: | Research Associate/ Research Fellow in Biostatistics |
| Vacancy Reference No: | 28376 |
| Closing Date: | 20 October 2008 |
| Department / Division: | School of Mathematical Sciences |
| Campus: | Gardens Point |
| Classification/Salary Range: | $46 079 to $62 523 pa (Level A) (full time equivalent) |
| Plus Superannuation: | 17% employer contribution |
| Status: | Fixed-term for 2 years (job share will be considered) |
| Contact Name and Title: | Kerrie Mengersen |
| HR Contact and Title: | Natalie Aston, Senior HR Advisor |
Open to: Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents or temporary visa holder for the duration of the fixed term appointment.
Appointment will be made at Research Associate or Research Fellow depending on qualifications and experience of the successful applicant. Applicants should nominate the level for which they are applying and address the selection criteria for the nominated level.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
There is an increasing focus on monitoring and review of medical outcomes and practice within hospitals. The statistical methods underpinning this monitoring depend critically on the type of outcome, available sources of data and intended decisions. This ARC Linkage project aims to develop and implement improved methods for monitoring, modelling and prediction of medical outcomes. Of particular interest will be the integrated use of diverse data sources, Bayesian risk-stratification and multivariate decision-making. In collaboration with the industry partner, St Andrew’s Medical Institute, focus will be on cardiovascular disease management, orthopedic surgery and neurological risk analysis.
The methods developed in this project will be targeted at defining and measuring processes to minimise deviation from ideal care pathways. Currently these pathways exist to guide “best-practice” clinical intervention based on clinical evidence-based practice. These new methods will aim to use multiple information sources to integrate other measures of holistic care in ‘patient-based’ practice, in accordance with the Industry Partner’s mission.
A concomitant project aim is to establish a Biostatistics Research Clinic within the St Andrew’s Medical Institute, which will provide support, communication, training and collaborative research potential to the wider Institute community.
Organisational Relationships
The appointee will report to Professor Kerrie Mengersen, School of Mathematical Sciences. Although based at the University’s Gardens Point campus, it will be necessary for the appointee to work at the St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital and other Brisbane-based locations from time to time to support the requirements of the research project.
General standard
An associate lecturer is expected to make contributions to the teaching effort of the University, particularly at undergraduate and graduate diploma level and to carry out activities to develop his/her scholarly, research and/or professional expertise relevant to the profession or discipline.
DUTY STATEMENT – RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
- Planning and carrying out research under the supervision of the project leaders; this will include collaboration with other researchers and stakeholders as required;
- Liaising with the collaborating linkage partners on the conduct of the research project and assisting with associated administrative matters.
- Providing regular written and verbal reports as directed by the project leaders and undertaking associated administrative functions.
- Assisting with the preparation and publication of research outcomes in relevant refereed journals and present research outcomes at seminars and conferences as directed by the project leader.
- Undertaking data analysis.
- Providing statistical support for medical research projects.
- Maintaining complete and accurate research records.
- Maintaining research confidentiality and conforming to all requirements for the protection of intellectual property.
- Assisting in supervision of research staff and postgraduate students.
- Undertaking other appropriate research related duties as directed by the project team leaders.
- Complying with health and safety policies, procedures, hazard reporting and safe work practices.
SELECTION CRITERIA – RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Essential:
- Completion of a postgraduate qualification (high level Honours, Masters or PhD) in statistics or closely related discipline.
- Demonstrated skills in statistical computing, programming and the use of statistical software.
- Demonstrated ability to provide biostatistical support to research projects.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in research teams, as well as independently with minimal supervision when required.
- Well developed written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to prepare material for scholarly and other publications.
- Well developed oral and interpersonal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to liaise with industry partners and present research findings to internal and external audiences.
- Experience in assisting with the supervision of staff.
Desirable:
- Experience in the development and/or implementation of control charts and related process monitoring tools.
- Knowledge of Bayesian statistics.
- Interest in medical research.
DUTY STATEMENT – RESEARCH FELLOW
Duties include:
- Planning and carrying out research under the supervision of the project leaders; this will include collaboration with other researchers and stakeholders as required.
- Liaising with the collaborating linkage partners on the conduct of the research project and assisting with associated administrative matters.
- Undertaking data analysis.
- Providing regular written and verbal reports as directed by the project leaders and undertake associated administrative functions.
- Preparing research outcomes as papers for relevant refereed journals and presenting research outcomes at seminars and conferences as directed by the project leader.
- Providing statistical support for medical research projects.
- Maintaining complete and accurate research records.
- Maintaining research confidentiality and conform to all requirements for the protection of intellectual property.
- Supervising research staff and postgraduate students.
- Undertake other appropriate research related duties as directed by the project team leaders.
- Complying with health and safety policies, procedures, hazard reporting and safe work practices.
SELECTION CRITERIA – RESEARCH FELLOW
Essential:
- Completion of a PhD in statistics or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrated high level skills in statistical computing, programming and the use of statistical software.
- Evidence of prior experience in successfully undertaking statistical consulting.
- Well developed oral and interpersonal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to liaise with industry partners and present research findings to internal and external audiences.
- Evidence of scientific outputs in the form of papers and conference presentations.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in research teams, as well as independently with minimal supervision when required.
- Experience in the supervision of staff in achieving work goals.
- Demonstrated interest in medical research.
Desirable:
- Experience in the development and/or implementation of control charts and related process monitoring tools.
- Knowledge of Bayesian statistics.
HOW TO APPLY
Please provide:
- Application Cover Sheet (doc, 60kb or pdf, 17kb)
- Applicants are encouraged to systematically address the selection criteria.
- Your current resume – including academic qualifications and the names and contact details of professional referees and the period of notice you would need to give your current employer if offered the position.
- Applicants should include copies of teaching evaluations (if applicable) and list up to three of their best publications.
Forward your application to jobapplications@qut.edu.au quoting vacancy ref no. 28376 by 20 October 2008.
Prior to submitting your application please review information regarding immigration requirements, workplace health and safety, equal employment opportunity, non-smoking policy and relocation available at
http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/jobs/information.jsp.
After the closing date, you can check the status of the recruitment process. QUT is an equal opportunity employer and employer of choice for women.