Biostatistician

Newcastle

WANTED : BIOSTATISTICIAN for a short-term contract (full-time for 10-12 weeks)

Project description : This is a short-term research project investigating opioid use, health and health care in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health (ALSWH) project.

The aims of this project are:

describe patterns of PBS opioids prescriptions for three cohorts of women (in their 30s, 50s and 80s), from 2002 to 2008;

examine demographic, psychosocial, health and health care utilisation factors associated with opioid prescription across time;

explore related health outcomes over time for opioid users.

Analyses for this project will utilise ALSWH survey data (Surveys 3 to 5) for all three ALSWH cohorts, individually linked to PBS datasets (2002-2008). These will include:

Patterns of PBS prescriptions of opioids will be described and graphed from 2002 to 2008, by number, type and duration of use.

Women will be classified according to pattern of opioid use (defined at Aim 1). Demographic, psychosocial, health care utilisation and health variables will be contrasted according to pattern of use.

Survival analyses will explore the association between opioid use and death

Among survivors, longitudinal modelling techniques (random effects models) will be used to explore change in health outcomes over time, according to opioid pattern of use, after adjusting for relevant demographic, social and health covariates

The successful applicant will have

A statistics degree and/or equivalent relevant work experience

Strong skills with SAS

Experience with linked data

Experience with longitudinal analyses techniques

Good communication skills, both verbal and written

Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team

Ability to work independently/alone

Demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills

The successful applicant will be required to work in Newcastle (NSW) and it is hoped they will start as soon as possible.

This position is offered at HEW Level 6/7, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Part-time work may be considered. The possibility of ongoing work may be negotiated for interested applicants.

If you believe you are suitable for this position, please call Associate Professor Lynne Parkinson on (02) 4913 8232 or email on Lynne.Parkinson@newcastle.edu.au