Biostatistician

Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service

Role details

Job ad reference: SC144161
Closing Date: Tuesday, 14 October 2014
Role title: Biostatistician
Classification: PO4
Status (temp/perm): Permanent Full Time
Salary: $91 023 - $98 169 Per Annum
Unit/Branch: Research Governance and Development, Nambour General Hospital
Division/Hospital and Health Service/Hospital: Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service
Contact name: Megan Rutter
Location: Nambour
Contact number: (07) 5370 3790

Your employer - Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service

The Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (SCHHS) is a dynamic health service provider that operates in an environment where quality patient care is paramount. Our vision, as a health service, is to provide health and wellbeing through exceptional care.

We are a high performing Hospital and Health Service (HHS) and proud of our reputation within the Queensland public health sector. Our performance is underpinned by a culture of innovation, education, training and research. Our structure is based on a devolved model featuring service groups with responsibility for defined clinical specialty areas and encompasses services delivered from facilities based at Nambour, Gympie, Caloundra, Maleny and community locations across the Sunshine Coast. Our Board provides strategic direction and governance of the SCHHS. We are preparing to enter into an unprecedented growth phase with the development of the $1.8b Sunshine Coast Public University Hospital (SCPUH) which will open in late 2016 with about 450 beds, growing to 738 beds by 2021.

Our performance and behaviour is guided by the Queensland Public Service's values of Customers first, Ideas into action, Unleash potential, Be courageous and Empower people.

Please visit our website for additional information about the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service.
http://www.health.qld.gov.au/sunshinecoast/

Your opportunity

This position provides high level statistical and methodological support and services to a range of Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service staff to facilitate the advancement of individual and Health Service research profiles and research outputs.

This position reports to the Manager Research Governance. The position is aligned to the strategic vision of the Health Service through the Research Committee. The position operates with a high degree of professional autonomy and uses outstanding analytical and interpersonal skills to comprehensively support Health Service researchers.

Your role

Fulfil the responsibilities of this role in accordance with Queensland Public Service Values.

Undertake all responsibilities in accordance with legislation, policy, and national and international standards (e.g. Hospital and Health Services Act; Public Health Act; NHMRC guidelines and codes of conduct; Good Clinical Practice guidelines; TGA requirements; Helsinki Declaration).

Assist Health Service staff with: methodological and statistical design of research protocols, including randomisation schedules, sample size and power calculations; and implementation of protocol methodology and statistical analysis plans.

Support Health Service staff with drafting research grant applications for submission to external funding bodies.

Undertake biostatistical analysis of data sets and support staff with analysis and interpretation of health data, including preparation of reports, publications and other research outputs.

Develop effective working relationships and partnerships with key stakeholders, including Hospital and Health Services, Commonwealth Government departments, Universities and other research groups.

Clearly communicate statistical concepts to Health Service researchers and support the development of staff through mentoring, forums and education seminars.

Review scientific literature to maintain current knowledge of statistical and methodological principles and to support research activities.

Operate as a member of a high functioning and collegial team, including setting and achieving clear targets and standards in relation to research.

Assist with the collection of information and statistics on research activity for strategic planning and compulsory reporting (e.g. Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist).

Assist with the preparation and publication of research reports to facilitate the marketing of research activities.

Actively participate in clinical and non-clinical committees relevant to the position, within and external to the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service.

Actively foster a positive research culture across all research areas in the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service.

Follow defined service quality standards, occupational health and safety policies and procedures relating to the work being undertaken in order to ensure high quality, safe services and workplaces.

Mandatory qualifications/Professional registration/Other requirements

Mandatory possession of a Masters or PhD qualification relevant to health statistics from a registered tertiary institution. Certified copies of the required qualification must be provided to the appropriate supervisor/manager, prior to the commencement of duties.

Previous experience in a health research environment is essential.

This position requires the incumbent to operate a government vehicle and an appropriate licence endorsement to operate this type of vehicle is required (Queensland 'C' class licence) Proof of this endorsement must be provided before commencement of duty.

How you will be assessed?

You will be assessed on your ability to demonstrate the following key capabilities, knowledge and experience. Within the context of the responsibilities described above under 'Your role', the ideal applicant will be someone who can demonstrate the following:

Demonstrated competence in experimental design and methodology, including the identification, development and implementation of appropriate outcome measures.

Demonstrated computer literacy, with knowledge and expertise in the use of statistical analysis software and relational database software to facilitate the production of research outputs.

Demonstrated high level of knowledge, expertise and skill in the interpretation of epidemiological and health statistical data; and the translation of data into reports and publications.

Demonstrated ability to apply effective oral, written and interpersonal communication skills with a range of stakeholders; and an ability to cultivate productive working relationships and partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders.

Demonstrated ability to efficiently organise workload, prioritise tasks and meet deadlines; and provide statistical guidance and mentorship to Health Service staff.

Your application

Please provide the following information to the panel to assess your suitability:

Your current CV or resume, including the names and contact details of two referees. Referees should have a thorough knowledge of your capabilities, work performance and conduct within the previous two years, and it is preferable to include your current/immediate/past supervisor.

A short response (maximum 1-2 pages) on how your experience, abilities, knowledge and personal qualities are relevant for the role, taking into account the Key Skill Attributes.

How to apply

Your application should be submitted online www.health.qld.gov.au/workforus or www.smartjobs.qld.gov.au by the closing date. For new employees, including those from other Queensland Hospital and Health Services please attach:
- Certified copies of your proof of identity (2 Forms: Driver's Licence/Proof of Age Card and Passport or Birth Certificate)
- Certified copies of your qualifications/licence

Hand delivered applications will not be accepted.

All calls relating to the status of your application once the job has closed should be directed to the contact officer on the role description.

Late applications cannot be submitted online. If approval has been granted by the contact officer for a late application to be considered, please contact Recruitment Services on (07) 5370 3953 for submission.

If you experience any technical difficulties when accessing www.smartjobs.qld.gov.au please contact 13QGOV (13 74 68).

Additional information

Applications remain current for 12 months.

Future vacancies of a temporary, full-time and part-time nature may also be filled through this recruitment process.

Pre-employment screening, including criminal history and discipline history checks, may be undertaken on persons recommended for employment. Roles providing health, counselling and support services that involve children will require a blue card, unless otherwise exempt.

Employees who are permanently appointed to Queensland Health may be required to undertake a period of probation appropriate to the appointment.

Only applications from candidates will be accepted; applications that may result in an agency fee will not be considered.

All relevant health professionals, who in the course of their duties formulate a reasonable suspicion that a child or youth has been abused or neglected in their home/community environment, have a legislative and a duty of care obligation to immediately report such concerns to Child safety services, Department of Communities.

Applicants will be required to give a statement of their employment as a lobbyist (http://www.psc.qld.gov.au/publications/assets/policies/lobbyist-disclosure-policy.pdf ) within one month of taking up the appointment.

Applicants may be required to travel and work across the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service.

Applicants may be required to disclose any pre-existing illness or injury which may impact on their ability to perform the role. Details are available in section 571 of the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 Data Analysis Australia, Australia's largest fully commercial Statistics and Mathematics Consultancy, is currently seeking to recruit one or more Consultant Statisticians (at least one year's relevant practical experience) or Graduate Consultant Statisticians (less than one year's relevant practical experience) to join our company in Perth, WA.

Reporting to a Senior Consultant, a Consultant Statistician or Graduate Consultant Statistician is responsible for working on a variety of projects that are largely statistical, mathematical and data analytical in nature, under the direction and supervision of more experienced Consultants. This is a collaborative, team-oriented role where projects will be worked on both individually and as part of a team and will involve consulting with clients.

Full information on how to apply, including selection criteria which must be addressed, can be accessed via our website www.daa.com.au .

Queries should be directed to Claire Hunter Olin on (08) 9386 3304 or via hr@daa.com.au .

Applications close at 5pm WST on Thursday 19th July 2012.