Postdoctoral Fellow - Statistician

The University of Canberra

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Postdoctoral Fellow - Statistician
Business Unit: University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise & Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Performance Science and Innovation
Appointment Level: Academic Level B
Reporting to: Director - UC RISE and AIS Research Manager
Term: Fixed-Term for 2 years (extension contingent on funding)
Vacancy Reference Number: 306

THE UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA

ORGANISATIONAL OVERVIEW

The University of Canberra is committed to serving its communities through professional education and applied research.

Its purpose is to provide education which offers high quality transformative experiences to everyone suitably qualified; to engage in research which makes an early and important difference to the world around us; and to contribute to the building of just, prosperous, healthy and sustainable communities.

The University's new strategic plan outlines a bold vision to increase student numbers by 50 percent and break through into world rankings by the time the campus celebrates its 50th birthday. The plan contains ambitious objectives based on flexible, high-quality learning, a pervasive international focus and high impact research.

BUSINESS UNIT OVERVIEW

The University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise is a research and innovation institute bringing together staff, from a wide variety of academic disciplines around the theme of sport and exercise. It has been created to support the university's sporting aspirations through: strategic planning and leadership, the co-ordination of sport-related research and consultancy across its faculties and the development of external partnerships.

UCRISE undertakes sport and exercise related research, consultancy, professional development and external engagement activity. Key partners include: AIS, Brumbies, ACTAS, Canberra Capitals, Canberra United and health providers using exercise as an adjunct clinical therapy. UCRISE works in tandem with university Faculties, research centres, support centres and the UC Students Union (UCU) to achieve the strategic goals for sport at the University of Canberra (UC) which are to inspire and engage students, staff and the broader community.

The AIS, is Australia's strategic high performance sport agency and is responsible and accountable for leading the delivery of Australia's international sporting success. The AIS works in partnership with national sporting organisations (NSOs), state institutes and academies of sport (SIS/SAS) and peak bodies (Australian Olympic Committee, Australian Paralympic Committee and Australian Commonwealth Games Association) to deliver international sporting success.

POSITION PURPOSE

This position spans research statistics at both the University of Canberra and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). The position is therefore equally located at the AIS in Canberra and at the University of Canberra. The position will be employed in the University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise (UCRISE) and will provide statistical support to researchers within i) UCRISE (approx.50% time allocation) and also ii) the AIS Sports Science and Sports Medicine (SSSM, approx. 50% time allocation). As part of the UCRISE component there will also be a limited requirement to provide support to the University of Canberra Health Research Institute (HRI). The successful applicant will support researchers from study design and analysis through to publication. Currently, UCRISE and AIS researchers are responsible for 60-70 publications annually through both staff and affiliated PhD students. It is expected that the position holder will be included on publications where there is a significant input into the study. Statistical support is needed in a number of diverse disciplines requiring a variety of statistical approaches. Disciplines include: Physiology, Biomechanics, Performance Analysis, Epidemiology, Physical Therapies, Medicine, Nutrition, Psychology, Design and Technology and Strength Science. Research undertaken by UCRISE and AIS researchers require a broad range of statistical methods including Frequentist and Bayesian statistics.

This position offers the opportunity to work in the exciting and fast paced area of high performance sport that will enhance the profile of both the appointee and the University.

DUTIES

1. Collaborate with UC RISE, HRI and AIS researchers, assisting with the design and analysis of research studies to ensure appropriate and informative statistical practice.
2. Promote statistical thinking within the UC and AIS communities – develop professional development opportunities including the delivery of workshops and short courses in statistics.
3. Co-author scientific publications when appropriate.
4. Sit on the UCRISE and AIS Ethics Committee to advise on the appropriateness of statistical methods in the studies presented to the Committee.
5. Undertake continuing professional development activities in biostatistics/ epidemiology/health services research.

SELECTION CRITERIA

1. PhD qualification in biostatistics, epidemiology or statistics.
2. Understanding of key issues and experience in data management and quality control.
3. Advanced skills in bio statistical analysis e.g. multiple regression, logistic regression, multi-level modelling, structural equation modelling, generalised additive mixed modelling. A working knowledge of Bayesian statistics would be an advantage.
4. Skills and demonstrated innovation in the visualisation of data would be an advantage.
5. Ability to use and write programs in for example; SPSS, SAS, Stata, MLWin, R
6. Excellent computer skills (Word, Excel, email, internet) and ability to format documents and draw plots, charts and graphs using software.
7. Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects
8. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
9. Demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to implementation of equity and workplace health and safety principles.

Please direct queries to Professor Kevin Thompson on 02 6201 5943 or kevin.thompson@canberra.edu.au .