- Employment Type: Full - time (35 hours a week)
- Duration: 2 Year Fixed Term contract
- Remuneration: $123k - $145k base (+ 17% Super, leave loading)
- Visa: Full Australian working rights for the duration of the contract will be required
- Location: Kensington, Sydney.
Our Organisation
UNSW National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) Australia's leading research centre dedicated to addressing health challenges related to alcohol and other drugs. With over 35 years of pioneering research, NDARC is at the forefront of national and international evidence-based responses, saving lives and enhancing community well-being. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates on innovative projects that shape policy and practice, making a significant impact on public health.
TRANSFORM: The TRANSFORM study is an NIH-funded research study that will have significant policy and clinical practice implications for the treatment of opioid dependence (TRANSFORM). The TRANSFORM team will undertake a first of its kind multi-jurisdictional study using data linkages in the US (Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Massachusetts), Australia (New South Wales), and the United Kingdom (Scotland). The two non-US sites involve leading researchers globally who will be able to leverage the data and methods in those jurisdictions to apply to the four US sites and develop resources that can then be applied to other US jurisdictions. The overall study objective is to transform the evidence base on the prevalence of OUD and the impact of OAT as a strategy to prevent opioid harm.
POST: There is a critical need for more evidence on the provision and effectiveness of prison health services, including treatments for opioid dependence and HCV, to reduce these disparities. Additionally, the high rates of drug and suicide-related mortality after release from prison highlight the necessity for further research on health inequities that individuals experience after incarceration. Our POST study aims to address these gaps by investigating the health, social, and recidivism outcomes of those who experience incarceration in New South Wales (NSW), Australia (The Prison Outcomes Study (POST)). Ultimately, POST aims to inform evidence-based interventions and policies that will improve health, social, and recidivism outcomes for people who are currently or formerly incarcerated. Additionally, POST will use real-world data to inform the delivery of treatment for opioid dependence, HCV, and related harms during and after incarceration.
Why this role matters
The Senior Biostatistician is required to design, plan and analyse linked health data, including descriptive studies relating to different opioid exposures and outcomes, as well as predictive modelling to establish the potential association between different treatment variables and a range of health-related outcomes in the POST and TRANSFORM projects.
The Senior Biostatistician is responsible for supporting the project team in achieving the aims of the studies. The role reports to the TRANSFORM/POST Chief Investigator and has no direct reports.
Some key skills required
- Postgraduate degree in statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, pharmacoepidemiology or a related discipline, with relevant research experience.
- At least 5 years’ experience in the development of machine learning models including data build.
- Demonstrated experience in the management and analysis of large complex health datasets, and preferably the analysis of linked, longitudinal data.
- Highly developed data analysis skills and experience in using SAS, with evidence of applying a methodical and detailed approach to data exploration and cleaning.
- Demonstrated ability to independently and accurately perform complex statistical analyses and provide direction in research design and statistical analysis.
- Demonstrated understanding of ethical principles relating to privacy and confidentiality with ability to maintain the strictest confidentiality when dealing with sensitive data.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with proven ability to build successful working relationships with a variety of people, both internal and external.
- Demonstrated ability to provide independent scientific and statistical direction, as well as demonstrated experience of effective statistical mentoring of junior staff and students
- Demonstrated experience in developing, contributing to and leading to peer-reviewed publications in journals and for conferences
Full details can be found in the position description.
Pre-employment checks required for this position
- Verification of qualifications
UNSW Benefits and Culture
- 17% Superannuation and leave loading
- Flexible working
- Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
- Access to lifelong learning and career development
- Progressive HR practices
More information on the great staff benefits and culture can be found here.
How to apply:
Please click on Apply now to apply online. Applications should not be sent to the contact listed below. Please provide a resume and a cover letter briefly addressing the criteria listed in the position description. A copy of the Position Description can be found on JOBS@UNSW.
Contact
Louisa Degenhardt – SCIENTIA Professor (role related questions only)
E: l.degenhardt@unsw.edu.au
Anabel Wason – Talent Acquisition Consultant (process related questions)
E: a.wason@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: Monday 23rd June 2025 before 11.30pm
UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
