The Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, and the Population Health Research Institute (PHRI) at McMaster University, seek an outstanding academic to head the Statistics group at the PHRI. The successful candidate will be appointed to a faculty position at a rank commensurate with their experience.
This position will be part of a vibrant and highly successful research group at PHRI which has about 60 researchers and 300 research staff, including 24 biostatistician analysts and 8 biometric programmers. The PHRI is a research institute which conducts and coordinates high impact, large, multi-center clinical trials and observational trials, many of which have changed medical practice. The research group was created approximately 30 years ago by Salim Yusuf; its current interim Executive Director is Hertzel Gerstein. The PHRI is the highest ranked research institute in Canada and was ranked no. 7 in the world back in 2012. The PHRI publishes about 400 papers each year, with a high proportion in leading clinical journals. Currently the PHRI conducts about 40 multicenter randomized clinical trials, several large observational studies and in population genomics and biomarker research through its links with about 1000 centers in over 100 countries.
The Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI) at McMaster University is a world leader and innovator in the fields of clinical trials methodology, health economics, biostatistics, public health, medical informatics and health policy. Created in 1967 by the late David L. Sackett, it is dedicated to developing a focus of applied research methodologic expertise in Canada and worldwide. McMaster University is ranked #25 in the world in Clinical and Health, and #6 overall in Canada.
Qualifications include: PhD or equivalent in biostatistics or related field; an established record of research in statistics related to high-impact and large multicenter clinical trials and epidemiologic studies; knowledge of regulatory needs; a significant track record of publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals; participation as PI or Co-I on peer‑reviewed or industry-funded research; experience in developing statistical methods for clinical trials, epidemiology and health research; and proficiency with statistical applications in observational studies, clinical trials and/or health services research. An excellent record of collegiality and collaboration and the ability to work and communicate with clinicians and managerial experience and leadership skills are essential. Experience in the application and teaching of biostatistics in health research and statistical consultation with clinician researchers are important attributes.
Statistical research at PHRI and in the HEI Department is typically motivated by problems encountered in clinical studies. Given the large and varied data sets currently existing at PHRI, the candidate will have numerous opportunities to conduct methodologic research. The ideal candidate would combine applied statistics, supervision of study designs, and statistical analyses, and would conduct methodologic research on related issues.
All prospective candidates are encouraged to review the information available at the PHRI website ( www.phri.ca ) and to review ongoing projects and key articles that have been published in the last few years to gain an understanding of the scope of current projects.
In addition to overseeing the statistics group at PHRI, the successful applicant will teach and supervise students in various educational programs offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences. Current programs include the doctoral and Masters level training in the Health Research Methodology Graduate Program, and the Master of Public Health Program.
McMaster University is research intensive, and regularly rated as the most innovative university in Canada. Located mid-way between the Niagara Peninsula and Metropolitan Toronto, it offers an unparalleled social, cultural and recreational living environment, and an exciting academic career in one of Canada’s première health universities. For more information about HEI, visit https://healthsci.mcmaster.ca/hei and for information about the Faculty of Health Sciences, go to https://healthsci.mcmaster.ca .
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. However, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
