Research Analyst-Biostatistician

Heluna Health invites applicants to apply for the position of Research Analyst/Biostatistician. This position will work in the Research and Evaluation group, which leads innovative scientific research and program evaluation projects in support of Heluna Health’s mission to enhance the health, wellness and resilience of every community we serve. Current projects address topics such as outbreak preparedness, climate and environmental health, behavioral health interventions to improve HIV care, and workforce development to improve maternal/child health.

The primary duties for the Research Analyst/Biostatistician include conducting statistical analyses to support population health research and evaluations pertinent to program priorities. Specific duties include designing survey sampling methodologies, conducting data management activities (importing/merging datasets, data documentation, data quality assurance), conducting statistical analyses using a variety of datasets and statistical tools, creating GIS data visualization tools, and automating procedures using programming tools. Additional duties may include maintaining and updating Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols and documents, writing research reports/briefs/grants, managing subcontractors, and presenting research results at scientific meetings. The Analyst works under general supervision of the Director of Research and Evaluation, and works in collaboration with other groups and external partners. The position is located at the Heluna Health headquarters in City of Industry, CA. However, a remote work venue within certain U.S. states may be considered.

The Analyst applies scientific principles to design appropriate statistical approaches, uses statistical software program(s) to conduct quantitative statistical analyses using a variety of datasets (including administrative datasets, survey data, and program data), interprets the findings, and articulates the results and research processes clearly in writing and through presentations to internal and/or external stakeholders. The Analyst adheres to best data management practices, communicates clearly and concisely, and applies analytic skills to tasks on behalf of the organization. The Analyst works independently as well as collaboratively, meets reasonable deadlines, balances priorities adeptly, and applies judgement to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences.

The salary range is $97,110 to $112,216 commensurate with experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Designs and leads the methodological and analytical approach for research studies using administrative, survey, and other data to address scientific research or evaluation questions in support of program priorities. This includes data collection, data management, analysis, interpretation and presentation of findings. 
• Develops data visualization tools to communicate research and evaluation findings. This may include interactive graphs, maps, and infographics.
• Utilizes programming tools to automate data management, analysis, and data visualization tasks. 
• Applies subject-matter expertise in public health (such as communicable disease control, chronic disease prevention, climate science and environmental health, disparities research) in the implementation of research and evaluation projects.
• Writes reports, manuscripts, briefings, presentations and webpages to disseminate data.
• Attends seminars and meetings relevant to program needs and collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Other duties, as assigned. 

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate is passionate about public health, loves exploring and analyzing data, applies quantitative research methodology, shows creativity and resourcefulness in implementing projects, and demonstrates clear thinking through written and verbal communication. A successful candidate is one who consistently produces quality work, works independently, and maintains strong collaborations with internal and external partners. Specific job qualifications and desirable skills are detailed below. 

Education/Experience

• A Master’s degree with a focus in epidemiology, biostatistics, or another quantitative public health or related discipline required.
• At least 1 year of full-time or equivalent part-time, post-Bachelor’s level professional or technical experience in analyzing public health data required.
• 1-5 years post-Master’s level professional experience in public health research or biostatistics desirable.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Proficiency in using SAS statistical software packages to import/export/combine datasets, conduct data management and quality assurance, automate routine tasks, and analyze large datasets (e.g. data matching, data validation, descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate regression analyses, hierarchical models, mediation analysis).
• Demonstrated experience conducting survey-related statistical analysis, including sampling design and survey weighting.
• Experience contributing to scientific manuscripts or reports, including describing statistical methods and assembling statistical information in appropriate formats.
• Experience using GIS software to visualize and analyze spatial data.
• Ability to interpret quantitative analysis output, draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations based on the data.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret scientific journals, professional journals, technical reports, technical procedures, grant requirements and instructions, IRB requirements and instructions and governmental regulations.
• Knowledge of principles of epidemiology and familiarity with public health practice.
• Communication skills: Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication, in English. Presents information and responds to questions from a wide variety of audiences, including managers, clients, consultants, customers, employees and the general public. Exhibits good listening and comprehension skills, follows instructions and responds to management direction.
• Interpersonal skills: Works independently and as a member of a team. Keeps supervisors and co-workers informed and maintains positive work atmosphere by communicating in a manner that promotes understanding and cooperation with collaborators.
• Approach to work: Displays outstanding attention to detail and ensures accountability with appropriate follow-up. Displays resourcefulness, eagerness to learn, and willingness to ask questions to ensure understanding. Follows policies and procedures and supports the organization’s goals and values. Maintains organized files and records.

Desirable Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Python programming to help automate the process of creating GIS data products.
• Proficiency with R programming language to analyze population health data
• Experience using ESRI ArcGIS or R Shiny packages to create interactive data visualizations or experience creating automated workflows in ArcGIS. Expertise in climate science, environmental exposure assessment, emergency preparedness, or outbreak preparedness.
• Experience leading a research analysis utilizing data from multiple sources and/or analyzing large public health datasets. Examples may include data from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), Census data, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), or other administrative or survey data.
• Experience conducting research using Medicaid claims data, electronic medical records, or similar.
• Expertise developing machine learning algorithms for use in population health research.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand: Frequently
• Walk: Frequently
• Sit: Frequently
• Handling / Fingering: Frequently
• Reach Outward: Occasionally
• Reach Above Shoulder: Occasionally
• Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend: Occasionally
• Lift / Carry: Occasionally - Up to 10 lbs
• Push/Pull: Occasionally - Up to 10 lbs
• See: Constantly
• Taste/ Smell: Not Applicable
• Not Applicable = Not required for essential functions
• Occasionally = (0 - 2 hrs/day)
• Frequently = (2 - 5 hrs/day)
• Constantly = (5+ hrs/day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

General Office Setting, Indoors Temperature Controlled

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.