Epidemiologist

Involves gathering, analyzing, and interpreting a wide variety of research data. Designs and conducts research, including selecting data samples, developing research instruments, analyzing collected information according to established statistical methods, and developing recommendations based on research findings. Prepares reports, charts, tables, and other visual aids to interpret and communicate data and results..

The Epidemiologist / Biostatistician will work in the Department of Neurology under the direction of the Principal Investigator and in collaboration with faculty investigators, research staff, trainees, and data analysts. The incumbent will support epidemiologic studies focused on Parkinson's disease and related neurological disorders, applying statistical and epidemiologic methods to investigate disease risk, progression, treatment effectiveness, and patient outcomes.

The successful candidate will have experience working with a variety of research data sources, including clinical, genetic, administrative, registry, and longitudinal cohort data. The Epidemiologist / Biostatistician will independently clean, manage, integrate, and analyze complex datasets while contributing to multiple research projects simultaneously. The incumbent will collaborate closely with investigators to develop rigorous study designs, implement appropriate analytic methods, and communicate findings to scientific and lay audiences.

The Epidemiologist / Biostatistician will:

• Report to the Principal Investigator and work collaboratively with faculty investigators, research staff, trainees, and data analysts to achieve study objectives.
• Plan, design, and oversee data management and statistical analyses for multiple epidemiologic and clinical research studies.
• Draw upon expertise in epidemiologic methods, causal inference, survival analysis, and longitudinal data analysis to develop and implement rigorous analytic approaches.
• In collaboration with principal investigators, develop multivariable statistical analysis plans using appropriate epidemiologic and statistical methods and independently conduct the planned analyses.
• Determine appropriate data sources and integrate information from multiple clinical, research, registry, administrative, and longitudinal datasets.
• Design processes that ensure participant confidentiality and compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements for data security and privacy.
• Provide statistical input into study design, data collection instruments, and protocol development to ensure studies collect the data necessary to address scientific hypotheses.
• Develop dynamic reports, visualizations, and other reporting tools to communicate study progress and research findings to investigators, collaborators, sponsors, and broader audiences.
• Prepare statistical sections of grant proposals, manuscripts, presentations, technical reports, and other scholarly products.
• Mentor, train, and provide statistical and methodological guidance to research staff, trainees, and junior analysts, fostering best practices in epidemiologic research and data analysis.
• Organize and prioritize analytic activities across multiple concurrent studies and provide leadership in the planning and execution of research data analyses.
• Work collaboratively with investigators and study teams to identify innovative analytic approaches that advance research on Parkinson's disease and related neurological disorders.

Department Overview

The mission of the Department of Neurology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) includes delivering the most exceptional clinical care to our patients, leading transformative cutting-edge research, and training the leaders of tomorrow in both neurology and neuroscience. Our department’s faculty, trainees, and staff work at a University and in a community that values and embraces diversity and strives to make an impact worldwide through our global and public health efforts. 

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

% 

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

50

15

15

5

15

100%

Required Qualifications

• BA degree in epidemiology, biostatistics, statistics, or related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

• 5 years of experience in a related field / with relevant research experience.

• Advanced skills in programming, statistical analysis and data management in R or Python.

• Advanced knowledge of biostatistical research methods for epidemiologic studies with a general focus on casual inference and specific focus on analysis of longitudinal data and survival analysis.

• Experience evaluating and analyzing large-data electronic health record (EHR) notes (millions of entries) applying natural language processing (NLP) methods and large language models (LLM) via R and Python packages using UCSF-approved LLM API infrastructure.

• Advanced knowledge of academic publication process and ability to propose research direction that will lead to impactful research results.

• Advanced ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing.

• Advanced project management skills. Ability to lead and influence within and external to project team.

• Advanced research skills at a level to propose analysis direction, discuss with prinicipal investigators and, when appropriate, devise alternate solutions and develop recommendations.

• Advanced ability to think creatively to recommend action steps or strategize solutions relative to research.

• Ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes.

• Ability to work discreetly with sensitive and confidential data.

• Ability to mentor less experienced analysts in statistical techniques and offer research advice.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree.

• Experience working in an academic environment.

• Familiarity with SPSS.