Advertising Summary: Join the C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research at Virginia Commonwealth University and help transform scientific discovery into real-world impact. As a Senior Biostatistician, you’ll play a pivotal role in advancing cutting-edge clinical research—partnering with investigators across VCU and the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center to develop research study designs, analyze complex data, and drive innovations that improve patient and veteran health.
This is a high-impact, highly collaborative role for a statistical expert who thrives on solving complex research challenges, leading projects, and mentoring others—all while contributing to life-changing discoveries.
Department Summary: The C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) serves as a vital hub for advancing human health through rigorous scientific discovery. As the first federally funded clinical and translational research center in Virginia, its primary mission is to accelerate the transition of laboratory findings into life-saving treatments for patients and the communities we serve.
The Wright Center provides the essential infrastructure and interdisciplinary network necessary to foster collaboration among researchers, health partners, and government organizations. By bridging the gap between basic science and clinical care, the Wright Center aims to improve health outcomes and train a new generation of clinical scholars. Its purpose is to catalyze a culture of high-performance team science and rigorous research to address complex medical challenges for the benefit of the Commonwealth and beyond
Duties & Responsibilities:
The Senior Biostatistician, assigned to the Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research, provides expert statistical consultation, complex data management, and advanced analytical support for investigators across the MCV Campus and the broader university campus.
A key component of this role includes serving as a primary research partner for the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center (VAMC), acting as a technical project leader and subject matter expert. The incumbent will leverage specialized knowledge of VA data structures to support collaborative veteran-health research initiatives.
In both roles, the incumbent will utilize deep scientific knowledge to design research protocols, perform sophisticated univariate and multivariate analyses, and interpret results for grant applications and peer-reviewed publications.
The successful candidate works with a high degree of independence, resolving complex methodological issues and mentoring junior research staff while ensuring all activities strictly adhere to Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and regulatory requirements.
Engage directly with collaborators to apply advanced univariate and multivariate statistical methods (including linear/logistic regression, time-to-event analysis, and repeated measures) to cross-sectional and longitudinal clinical data.
Work directly with collaborators to develop research study designs, assess appropriate methodologies, and conduct sample size/power calculations for grant proposals. Ensure data integrity through relational database design and rigorous cleaning protocols.
Act as the primary biostatistical consultant for multi-disciplinary teams involving VCU and VAMC research partners. Translate clinical questions into robust statistical analysis plans for grant proposals and peer-reviewed manuscripts. Resolve complex methodological hurdles and identify innovative data solutions for inter-institutional research objectives.
Create and deliver seminars or presentations on statistical methods and Wright Center services to university-wide groups. Provide technical expertise and mentorship to junior research staff or students, fostering a collaborative and professional team environment.
Other duties assigned
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
Only applicants who do not require current or future sponsorship for employment will be considered
- Education: Master’s degree in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, or a related quantitative field.
- Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in clinical research, pharmaceutical, or academic settings, with a proven track record of managing complex datasets and study designs.
- Statistical Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of univariate and multivariate statistics, including linear/logistic regression, time-to-event analysis, and longitudinal data analysis.
- Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in R, SAS, or SPSS; strong command of Clinical Data Management Systems (e.g., REDCap) and relational database concepts.
- Grant Preparation Expertise: Demonstrated ability to perform sample size/power calculations and review and design sophisticated study designs for grant proposals and protocol development.
- Communication & Leadership: Excellent oral and written communication skills to translate statistical concepts for non-statistical collaborators. Proven ability to prioritize high-volume workloads and mentor junior team members.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced Degree: Doctoral degree (PhD) in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, or a related field.
- Project Leadership: Demonstrated ability successfully leading research projects, documented by lead-author or senior-author publications and experience writing comprehensive study reports (such as a progress report for federal grant applications).
- Advanced Systems: Knowledge of MS Access or advanced SQL/REDCap database administration
- VAMC Research Expertise: Demonstrated working knowledge and professional experience utilizing VINCI for data analysis. Familiarity with VA-specific data security requirements and the process of obtaining/maintaining VA research credentials.
Salary Range: 90,000 - 115,000
Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.
Unit: VP Research MBU
Department: Center for Translational Science
FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt
Hours per Week: 40
Restricted Position: Yes
ORP Eligible: Yes
Flexible Work Arrangement: Yes
University Job Title: 33244Y - Sr Scientist RS 1
