Statistician/Research Methodologist

Macquarie University

LOCAL TITLE:
Statistician/Research Methodologist, Children and Families Research Centre
POSITION NUMBER: 21061
LEVEL: 7/8
DIVISION/OFFICE: ACES
DEPARTMENT: IEC
REPORTS TO: Director, Children & Families Research Centre
WRITTEN BY: Professor Jennifer Bowes DATE: 12 August 2007
APPROVED BY: Dean (Professor Alan Rice) DATE: 14 August 2007
A JOB PURPOSE

Conduct analysis of research and advise research centre members of the Children & Families Research Centre on research methodology and analysis

B MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conduct secondary data analysis in DEST-funded research areas (early childhood education and specified groups of children in Australia)
2. Advise researchers in DEST-funded research areas on appropriate research methodology and analysis
3. Conduct statistical analysis of new research projects in DEST-funded areas of research and in other projects initiated in the Children & Families Research Centre
4. Assist researchers in the Children & Families Research Centre to set up and maintain databases associated with their research projects
5. Supervise research assistants engaged in database construction, maintenance and analysis
6. Advise the Director and Deputy Director of the research centre about planning for statistical analysis, including statistical software
7. Represent the Children & Families Research Centre on research methodology and statistical matters on internal and external research planning committees
8. Assist the research centre in research planning and strategies
9. Contribute to the preparation of research grant applications and papers for publication
10. Be part of the supervision team for Honours or higher degree research students of the Children & Families Research Centre

Other
Any other duties within the staff member’s level of competence as required.

C DELEGATIONS

D REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS AND SUBORDINATES

Reports to Centre Director

E SUPERVISION AND INDEPENDENCE

The position requires independent work in data analysis and advising of research centre members in their approach to research design and statistical analysis. Statistical oversight for the position will be provided by a member of the Children & Families Research Centre with statistical expertise. Management oversight will be provided by the Director of Children & Families Research Centre.

F RECOURSE TO HIGHER LEVEL OR OTHER AREAS OF THE UNIVERSITY

Problems would normally be discussed with the Director, Children & Families Research Centre or member of the Centre with statistical expertise in the first instance. However, the occupant may at times require advice from the Dean, or other areas of the University eg; Research Office or Higher Degree Research Unit.

G JUDGEMENT AND PROBLEM SOLVING

Judgment will be required on decisions about the best approach for researchers to take to research design and analysis. Problem solving is integral to the position, within the statistical work required but also in applying research methodology and statistical expertise to the analysis of existing large data sets (secondary data analysis) and to the data generated within the research centre, in relation to the research questions posed.

H ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS AND IMPACT

The occupant of the position will work to the Director within the framework of an ACES Divisional Research Centre. The occupant will also work with a member of the Centre on statistical matters and the leaders of research projects within the Children & Families Research Centre.

I SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential
1. PhD in social sciences, statistics or related discipline;
2. Experience or capacity in analysis of secondary data sets in the social sciences;
3. Capacity to advise researchers on research methodology and statistics;
4. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment;
5. The capacity to supervise Honours and Higher Degree Research Students;
6. Data management and statistical analysis skills in multi-level modelling and analysis of longitudinal data;
7. Demonstrated competence in relevant statistical packages and skills in analysis of evaluation and intervention.

Additional Essential Selection Criteria for Level 8:
1. Experience in the supervision of research projects and staff;
2. Experience in the initiation and development of research projects;
3. Experience in liaison with external agencies in the conduct of research.

Desirable Selection Criteria:
1. Experience in statistical and methodological advice;
2. Experience in supervision of research students;
3. Experience in the preparation of research reports;
4. Experience in management of large datasets;
5. Experience in database management.

Equal Employment Opportunity and No Smoking are University Policies

Human Resources @ Source: Created: 12 August 2007
Modified: 12 August 2007