Senior Research Consultant/Statistician: Office of Innovative Technologies - UTK

The University of Tennessee's Office of Innovative Technologies is seeking a Senior Research Consultant to lead the design, execution, and analysis of research projects in support of faculty and graduate researchers across campus. This senior-level, highly independent role spans the full research lifecycle from developing research questions and experimental designs, determining appropriate statistical/machine learning methods and calculating sample sizes, to conducting data analysis, interpreting results, and co-authoring and, where appropriate, leading or serving as senior author on manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals. The position also partners with investigators to lead the development of grant proposals, including research design and analysis plans, including power and sample size calculations. The position also solves complex computing problems by selecting and configuring appropriate software and hardware, writing and debugging code, mentoring colleagues through workshops and one-on-one consultations on advanced statistical and computing methods, and managing university research software licensing.

The ideal candidate holds a master's degree (Ph.D. preferred) and seven or more years of experience as a statistician, data scientist, or research analyst, with a record of peer-reviewed publications. The candidate will also possess strong programming and analytical skills across tools such as R, Python, SAS, SPSS, Stata, MATLAB, ArcGIS and JMP along with deep knowledge of statistical methodology, data visualization, and the mathematical foundations underlying advanced analytic techniques. This role carries significant influence over departmental research strategy and direction, serves as backup for the manager when needed, requires occasional overnight travel, and operates with a high degree of autonomy, consulting with a supervisor primarily on priorities and complex or high-impact matters.

This position will be responsible for assisting researchers with experimental design, sampling and data collection methods, and sample size determination; managing and restructuring research data, including identifying and correcting data errors; and performing statistical analysis, machine learning, including creating data visualizations and graphics to communicate results according to journal standards. The role also involves writing and editing methods and results sections of manuscripts, grant proposals, and client documentation on statistical computing, including defending analytic approaches to journal reviewers; and helping clients select appropriate computer software and hardware to solve their research problems. The position leads the development of the methods and analysis components of grant proposals and may serve as lead statistician on funded research projects.

In addition, the position develops and teaches workshops and one-on-one tutorials on research computing and statistical methods, acts as a subject matter expert in statistics and computing topics for diverse clientele across campus, and manages university software site licenses, including installation, testing, and documentation. The position also takes an active role mentoring and critiquing the work of students and colleagues, providing guidance on complex statistical and computing problems, and contributes to departmental budgetary, research funding, and compliance discussions.

Required Qualifications

• A Master's degree in Statistics, Biostatistics, Data Science, or a related field,
• Seven (7) years of experience applying statistics is required; Years in graduate school may substitute for experience, but only if extensive statistical consulting was conducted during that time.
• A track record of publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals is required.
• Excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills required.

• The ability to work independently and prioritize assignments with minimal supervision is required

• Expertise in at least three of: R, Python, SAS, SPSS, Stata, MATLAB, ArcGIS and JMP is required

• Deep knowledge of the statistical and machine learning methods appropriate for peer-reviewed publications is required.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Ph.D. and five (5) years of experience is preferred.

• PStat® accreditation desired.

• Expertise in all of: R, Python, SAS, SPSS, Stata, MATLAB, ArcGIS and JMP is desired.

• Proven experience in linear mixed models, categorical data analysis, generalized linear models, and related power analysis is desired.
• Experience applying Machine Learning, Bioinformatics inference, and/or Bayesian Statistics in an academic setting is desired.
• Ability to provide expert level guidance on best practices in statistics is desired.
• Proven experience mentoring graduate assistants and other staff members is desired.
• Experience developing and teaching workshops or one-on-one tutorials on research computing and statistical methods is desired.
• Experience managing software license agreements, including coordinating with procurement and serving as the point of contact with software vendors for quotes, invoices, and renewals, is desired.
• Ability to research, learn, and independently apply new software, hardware, and emerging analytic technologies is desired.
• Experience consulting with diverse clientele across multiple departments or disciplines is desired.
• Experience providing input to leadership on operational decisions, such as budget, software and service options, or compliance, is desired.
• A record of contributing to funded grant proposals is desired.

Work Location:

• Location: This is a remote position

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR 13

• Anticipated hiring range: $95,000 – $105,000

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• Curriculum Vitae or comprehensive list of academic publications

About The Department

The Office of Innovative Technologies' Research Computing Support (RCS) team provides one-on-one consultations in statistical analysis, machine learning, qualitative analytics, and geographic information systems (GIS) to UT Knoxville faculty, staff, and student researchers. Services include experimental design and sample size determination, biostatistics support for clinical trials and observational studies, web survey design and analysis, and manuscript co-authorship, with RCS statisticians having co-authored over 350 manuscripts, helping write or edit methods and results sections and respond to reviewer comments. The team also provides access to and support for research software such as ArcGIS, MATLAB, NVivo, Python, Qualtrics, SAS, SPSS, Stata, and R.