Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Department of Health Policy and Administration at the Penn State College of Health and Human Development in University Park, PA is seeking a Statistician to join a collaborative research team. The candidate will provide essential support by overseeing and advising on a variety of research projects relating to health policy. An important ongoing project relates to the opioid settlement funds in Pennsylvania. The candidate will serve as the primary point of contact for Principal Investigators (PIs) on day-to-day research activities, and will interact directly with staff, faculty, and internal/external collaborators.
This role will bridge technical statistical analysis with project management to support effective research execution and decision-making.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Data Management and Statistical Analysis
Execute research objectives outlined in funded projects in collaboration with the research teams.
Assist with developing and oversee data management plans across multiple ongoing research projects.
Perform data cleaning, validation, and statistical analysis using statistical software packages (e.g. R, or SAS) while developing and managing data collection workflows through REDCap or Qualtrics to ensure data integrity and accessibility.
Interpret complex data to guide decision-making and support the preparation and communication of statistical findings through reports, presentations, written summaries, and data visualizations.
Project Management
Provide guidance on project planning with PIs. Plan, track, and ensure completion of project milestones and deliverables across multiple research initiatives, including the preparation of scholarly outputs.
Lead cross-functional coordination between the research teams and external collaborators, aligning partner requirements with research goals and driving shared progress toward agreed-upon project outcomes.
Develop workflow procedures to prioritize and assign research tasks; manage and organize the timely collection of data related to all research projects.
Collaborative Research Support
Participate in and contribute to short and long-term planning of activities supporting subsequent grant proposals for department projects.
Assist with manuscript and abstract submissions and presentations by working collaboratively with PIs and project collaborators.
Assist PIs with hiring, onboarding, and mentoring part-time wage staff.
Provide administrative support as needed to PIs.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in public health, health policy, health services research, public administration, social sciences, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience supporting or managing research projects in an academic, policy, or applied research setting.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and priorities simultaneously.
Experience coordinating with diverse stakeholders, including researchers, staff, administrators, and external collaborators.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience supporting manuscript preparation, reports, or other scholarly products.
Experience with at least one programming language (e.g., Stata, R, or SAS) and one data collection and management platform (e.g., REDCap or Qualtrics).
Familiarity with research methods and data analysis (quantitative and/or qualitative).
Experience organizing, managing, and documenting research data and project materials.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented research environment.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree in public health, health policy, health services research, public administration, social sciences, or a related field; or a bachelor’s degree plus relevant professional experience.
Experience working on health policy, public health, or related research projects.
Experience supporting grant-funded research projects or contributing to grant proposal development.
Experience coordinating manuscript submissions to peer-reviewed journals.
Experience supervising or mentoring student or part-time research staff.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $61,800.00 - $89,600.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.