Senior Biostatistician - Child Health Focus
At a glance
Senior Data Science role at Penn State. Penn State University Park · full-time · $72,300–$137,280 base.
dataroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Advise researchers on study methods, sample size, statistical power, data collection and randomization
- Build analysis programs and apply regression, mixed models, survival methods and longitudinal techniques to research data
- Oversee study instruments and data systems, strengthening data quality and reproducibility across projects
- Work with investigators and trainees on analysis plans, interpret findings and share data with research collaborators
- Help produce grants, papers and reports, present results, and mentor students and postdoctoral researchers
What you bring
- A bachelor's degree and at least six years of relevant experience, or an accepted equivalent combination of education and experience
- Proficiency with R or SAS and advanced analysis of large, complex datasets
- Experience planning data collection and managing, cleaning and organizing research data
- Clear communication and writing skills for statistical guidance, presentations and scientific publications
Who this fits
This role suits a senior biostatistician who can guide interdisciplinary child health research and mentor junior researchers. The position is based at University Park in State College, Pennsylvania, and is funded for twelve months, with continuation dependent on university needs, performance or funding. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; Penn State does not sponsor staff employment visas.
From the employer
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This position is funded for 12 months; continuation past 12 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Child Health Research Center in the College of Health and Human Development, is seeking a Senior Professional Biostatistician. This position is located in State College, PA, at the University Park Campus and will play a vital role in supporting interdisciplinary research aimed at improving child health outcomes.
What You'll Do:
Details include (but are not limited to):
Study Design & Methodology
Consult and advise researchers on study design, statistical analysis strategies, reliability, data collection procedures, statistical power, sample size, and randomization schemes.
Oversee the design, development, and coordination of study forms, instruments, measurement protocols, and equipment.
Statistical Analysis & Programming
Perform statistical analyses using SAS or other statistical software packages, including writing programs for treatment randomization, data summaries, and inferential analysis.
Apply and interpret complex statistical models (e.g., regression, mixed models, survival analysis, longitudinal data analysis).
Read and interpret findings, address gaps, and draw conclusions to inform research and policy.
Data Management & Quality Assurance
Develop and oversee data management systems across multiple ongoing research projects.
Implement quality improvement practices and processes to ensure data integrity and reproducibility.
Collaborative Research Support
Collaborate with investigators, postdocs, and students to design and implement statistical analysis plans.
Provide statistical expertise in interpreting results and translating them into actionable insights.
Prepare and send data to collaborators in support of cooperative research efforts.
Scientific Communication & Dissemination
Collaborate on grant proposals, manuscripts, reports, presentations, and other scientific deliverables.
Supervise the preparation of statistical reports and communicate results through presentations, written summaries, and data visualizations.
Author abstracts, manuscripts, and final reports.
Mentorship & Capacity Building
Mentor postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and undergraduate research assistants.
Support the professional development of junior team members in statistical methods and research design.
Make recommendations to researchers informed by new developments in the statistical and mathematical field associated with software and methodology
Skills Required:
Consulting: Ability to communicate complex statistical concepts to non-statistical audiences and provide actionable guidance.
Data Analysis: Proficiency in analyzing large and complex datasets using advanced statistical techniques.
Data Collection: Experience designing and implementing data collection protocols, including surveys and clinical data systems.
Data Management: Expertise in managing, cleaning, and organizing datasets for analysis and reporting.
Data Visualization: Skilled in creating clear, informative visualizations to communicate findings effectively.
Presentation Skills: Strong ability to present statistical findings to diverse audiences, including researchers, funders, and community stakeholders.
Programming: Proficiency in statistical software such as R, or SAS, for data analysis and automation.
Regression Analysis: Deep understanding of linear, logistic, and multilevel regression models.
Report Writing: Ability to write clear, concise statistical reports and contribute to scientific manuscripts.
Study Design: Expertise in designing robust studies that align with research objectives and ethical standards.
Supervision & Leadership: lead statistical initiatives and oversee statistical analyses across the Center.
Trend Analysis: Ability to identify and interpret trends in longitudinal and cross-sectional data.
For full consideration, highly motivated applicants should apply online by uploading a cover letter describing relevant skills and experience, a current resume, and the names of at least 3 job references. Review of candidates will begin immediately.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Biostatistician - Senior Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree
6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as Biostatistician - Advanced Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree
3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $72,300.00 - $137,280.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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