Independent Biostatistician

**Job** **Purpose**
A Lead Biostatistician works independently, carrying out statistical programming, analyses, reporting, validation, consultancy and, where applicable, teaching. This involves managing their own workload, and being responsible for the statistical project management of multiple studies, setting objectives and timelines in agreement with external collaborators and senior staff across functional areas. A Lead Biostatistician should be able to resolve the majority of issues affecting the progress of their statistical projects, and act as a primary contact in relationships with researchers from academia, the NHS, and commercial clients. As statistical collaborator/grant co-applicant, a Lead Biostatistician contributes to the income and reputation of the Centre, and the University, through the delivery of biostatistical work of consistently high quality.

**Main Duties and Responsibilities**
1. To make a leading contribution to the primary research objectives, supporting research projects to deliver optimal outcomes.
2. To work independently on assigned projects, being accountable for the delivery of statistical tasks [programming, writing analysis plans and reports, and contributing to manuscripts for publication].
4. To take responsibility for the implementation of statistical validation processes, and carrying out validation of other biostatisticians’ work, when required.
5. To supervise more junior statistical staff, and to plan and manage workloads within projects.
6. To carry out independent research, as required, to improve knowledge of statistical methods and statistical programming.
7. To act as an independent statistical consultant.
8. To meet with and present results to external collaborators.
9. To contribute at a senior level to external study design and planning meetings, project meetings, conferences, and scientific committees.
10. Where relevant, to deliver teaching courses and contribute to the creation of associated materials. Act as a co-supervisor for postgraduate research students as required.
11. To manage project timelines and deliverables, in collaboration with senior staff.
12. Make a leading contribution to the quality management processes for biostatistics, including production and review of standard operating procedures, participation in regulatory audits (internal and external) and inspections, and adherence to ISO 9001 for quality management / ISO 27001 for information security / Good Clinical Practice / data protection regulations.
13. To take a leading role in collaborations with internal and external partners, with responsibility for the design, statistical costing, planning and implementation of research projects.
14. To contribute at a senior level to the administrative management of the relevant research area.
15. To advise and give direction to staff within other functional areas of the relevant research area.
16. To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, Inspiring People Changing The World.
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**Qualifications**
**Essential**
**A1 **Postgraduate qualification [Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 11, [Masters Degree] or equivalent professional experience.
A2 Expert and broad knowledge of relevant statistics and statistical analysis methods.
A3 Expert and broad understanding of study design, appropriate to the relevant discipline or research project.

**Desirable**
B1 Extensive knowledge of the requirements of ICH Good Clinical Practice and all other legal, regulatory and data protection requirements in the delivery of clinical trials data statistical analysis and reporting functions.
B2 An awarded PhD in statistics, statistics and mathematics, or biostatistics.

**Skills**
**Essential**
C1 Expert statistical programming skills, including extensive IT and data analysis / interpretation skills.
C2 Excellent communication skills [oral and written], including ability to communicate complex and/or large volume data clearly and concisely to non-statisticians.
C3 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.
C4 Excellent workload and prioritisation skills, including the ability to work under pressure and balance competing demands whilst sustaining quality output.
C5 Significant experience of independence, structuring own workload and delivering high quality outputs within necessary timescales.
C6 Reliable, trustworthy and able to maintain confidentiality.
C7 Significant problem-solving skills including a creative, flexible and pragmatic approach.

**Desirable**
D1 Statistical programming skills using SAS.
D2 Public presentation skills.

**Experience**
**Essential**
E1 Demonstrable experience in similar biostatistician role, carrying out similar duties to high standard.
E2 Demonstrable experience in validating other statisticians work, offering support, guidance, direction and feedback as necessary.
E3 Demonstrable experience of compl