Statistician

**Main purpose of the job**:
To lead analysis of climate and health data using traditional biostatistics and/or data science methods within the HE2AT Center, in line with the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) Harnessing Data Science for Health Discovery and Innovation in Africa program (DS-I Africa), the EU HIGH Horizons project and the Wellcome Trust HAPI project. These projects include leading research groups across Africa, in the EU, UK and USA.

These projects, the largest climate change and health projects in Africa, will provide the evidence needed to mount a response to climate change in Africa. We document the health impacts of climate change on pregnant women, children, HIV-infected adults and urban populations across Africa, and the effectiveness of interventions to reduce these impacts.

**Location**:
Johannesburg

**Key performance areas**:

- Write data analysis plans for grant proposals and study protocols.
- Oversee data management staff.
- Provide support for the project team in planning, implementation and monitoring of project activities, including tracking tools.
- In conjunction with the Scientific Lead and project team, oversee the preparation of data for analysis of health outcomes, and environmental exposures across Africa.
- Write progress reports of data analysis for stakeholders including networks and funders.
- Participate in data science analyses with other partners and external stakeholders.
- Stay abreast with relevant data analysis advances and collaborate closely with other investigators on related studies.
- Publish scientific publications.
- Compile conference presentations.
- Supervise PhD students, where relevant
- Generate ideas for data analyses and novel approaches to investigating the data.
- Offer thought leadership on policy implications and future research needs based on emergent research findings.
- Participate in discussions regarding the future direction of the research within Climate Change and Health at Wits RHI.
- Provide thought leadership on how to best structure research activities in the team and amongst partners.
- Supervise and manage the data and statistical analysis team to ensure optimal employee engagement.
- Identify, supervise and provide clear direction to consultants supporting the analysis activities.
- Perform and facilitate coaching sessions with the team to develop their skills in statistical analysis.
- Coach and train team members to ensure the acquisition of knowledge and skills required by the organisation.
- Promote harmony, teamwork and sharing of information.
- Take ownership and accountability for tasks and demonstrate effective self-management.
- Develop additional Data Science Skills required to undertake analyses.
- Develop further project management skills to coordinate statistical analysis in a team.
- Maintain an open attitude and respond constructively to feedback.
- Maintain and update knowledge of developments in field and expertise activities.

**Required minimum education and training**:

- **Minimum PhD in Biostatistics or Data Science**

**Required minimum work experience**:

- Minimum 10 years’ experience with statistical analysis
- Highly experienced in implementing independent data analysis projects and running them to completion.
- Experience leading teams of junior to mid-level statisticians.

**Desesirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities**:

- Meets criteria for an Associate Professor position at Wits University Good writing and data visualization skills
- Experience in time series analysis advantageous
- Ability and experience working in multi-disciplinary teams.Strong STATA, R or Python programming skills
- Experience with coordination of data management teams
- Experience in managing sensitive data (e.g. according to the POPI act)
- Previous experience in statistical analysis of large health projects would be of added value.
- Experience working with large and complex datasets (e.g., remote sensing, health data, climate model data)
- Able to work under pressure and adhere to deadlines.

**Demands of the job**:

- National and international travel and overtime/weekends may be required from time to time. Self-directed management and management of a team of statisticians

**TO APPLY**:

- Only if you do meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV.
- _AJ Personnel is fully POPIA Compliant._
- Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position.

**Please note**:

- Our client, in accordance with its Employment Equity goals and plan, will give preference to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.