Head of Biostatistics - [Archived Advertisement]

The Opportunity

Biostatistics is a key growth area within Burnet Institute. We are expanding this capacity by formally establishing a Biostatistics Working Group so we can:

• Continue to undertake high quality research and evaluations
• Identify new and innovative approaches to analyse our research data
• Ensure key research findings are disseminated in a timely way
• Ensure career biostatisticians and researchers are mentored and supported to grow their analysis skills

This has created is an exciting new opportunity for a talented individual to take on the key leadership role of Head of our Biostatistics Working Group!

The team will involve a core service of specialist analysts/biostatisticians, alongside existing applied research staff with strong skills and interests in this area. You will lead and manage the group across four key work areas: biostatistics support for research and other major projects at the Institute; development of innovative biostatistical approaches to address critical research priorities described in the Institutes 2030 strategy; an advisory and consulting service (internal and external); and teaching, mentoring and supervision of staff and students.

Some of your duties will include:

• Providing statistical advice on study design, statistical power and study sample size to Institute researchers preparing grant applications and developing projects
• Developing and growing analytics research that enhances work already being undertaken at the Institute
• Supporting Institute research and other major projects through development of innovative “de novo” biostatistical and analytical approaches consistent with Institute research priorities
• Developing and maintaining project management plans in consultation with the study principal investigators and program coordinator
• Mentoring specialist biostatisticians and analysts and research staff with strong skills in biostatistics and analytics to help grow biostatistics capacity and careers
• Working with computer scientists and research team to facilitate access to data and biostatistics and analyses for stakeholders both within and external to the Institute

Refer to the attached position description for full details.

This is a full-time position for 7 years with possibility of extension. Working from home options and flexible working hours will also be available.

If you have a proven expertise in biostatistics and an interest in improving health equity, then please apply for this exciting new role!

Let’s talk about you

The preferred candidate will have a PhD and significant experience in undertaking their own research, as well as supporting other working groups and experience in PhD and other student support and supervision. Candidates who hold or are competitive for an NHMRC Investigator Grant will be considered favourably, along with those who have experience managing and growing high performing teams.

The following criteria are essential requirements:

• PhD or equivalent qualification in a related area (biostatistics)
• Ability to develop a focused action plan to develop internal expertise and liaise with internal and external stakeholders to deliver a clear vision for biostatistics
• A national and emerging international track record (preferably with an established program/team) in biostatistics
• High-level research and applied skills, with significant expertise and experience in biostatistics and the translation of biostatistics into deliverables
• Experienced in statistical software packages (e.g. R, STATA, S-Plus, SAS, Python) and knowledge of or demonstrated ability to learn specialised software packages
• People management skills including promoting a collaborative and cohesive team environment
• Previous experience leading the development and writing of academic publications
• Experience in PhD and student support and supervision

The following experience is preferable:

• Demonstrated ability to mentor and support the professional develop of specialist early career analysts
• Active networks within biostatistics, bioinformatics, modelling

The Burnet experience…

We want you to have a successful and meaningful career at Burnet and are committed to providing a supportive workplace environment for all our people. You will be part of a collaborative culture where progressive leadership, innovation, respect, and excellence are valued. Join a team of talented individuals who are passionate about what they do – improving the health of vulnerable communities around the world. Hear from some of our talented staff about their career journeys at Burnet here!

We offer:

• A monthly accrued day off for full-time staff
• 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Flexible working arrangements
• Generous salary packaging
• Opportunities for career and professional development

Who are we?

Burnet Institute is a leading Australian, unaligned, not-for-profit, organisation that uniquely links medical research with practical action to achieve better health for disadvantaged communities and help solve devastating global health problems.

Burnet Institute brings together a highly diverse skill base, with more than 400 staff and students working across cutting-edge research and projects to address some of the most relevant global health issues. Institute-wide interdisciplinary health programs Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, Disease Elimination, and Health Security and Pandemic Preparedness, are at the heart of our daily decision making. Harnessing our international and local field presence, our laboratories, and our mixed development and research cultures drives a greater focus on the most relevant health issues and achieves a greater impact as a result.

Whilst our headquarters is in Melbourne, Australia, we also have offices in Papua New Guinea and Myanmar, and are actively involved in research and public health programs throughout Australia, the Asia-Pacific region and Africa. Burnet is the only unaligned organisation in Australia that has dual accreditation with both the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Bring your whole self to work

At Burnet, we foster a diverse and inclusive culture. We want our people to feel like they belong and are free to be themselves at work. We have an active Gender Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (GEDI) Council that works to promote and improve gender equity, diversity and inclusion across the Institute, by developing and implementing strategies informed by both national and international best practice and staff input. Burnet holds an Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Award from Science in Gender Equity (SAGE).

Sounds great! How do I apply?

Apply below and attach the following documents:

• Cover letter + Statement addressing the selection criteria (as outlined above and in the attached position description)
• Resume

Applications close at 11:59pm AEDT on Sunday 16^th October 2022. Applications not including responses to the key selection criteria will not be considered.

As part of our commitment to gender equity, we have included a question in the application process on gender. This will allow us to monitor and report on gender in relation to our recruitment process.

Burnet is a child safe organisation. The successful applicant will be required to apply for a Working with Children check and/or National Police Check. Australian working rights and evidence of full vaccination against Covid-19 will also be required.