The Columbia University, Robert N Butler Columbia Aging Center is seeking an Associate Research Scientist to aid in statistical analysis and day-to-day data management associated with multiple concurrent research projects of the Aiello Research Group and Belsky Research Group.

The Aiello Research Group seeks to identify the interaction and influence of social and biological factors on long-term health outcomes, including the effect of socioeconomic position, stress and infection on chronic disease and mental health outcomes. We also investigate preventive measures for reducing infectious disease transmission in the community setting with a focus on non-pharmaceutical interventions. We aim to reduce social disparities in infection, chronic disease, and mental health by conducting integrative research across areas such as epidemiology, gerontology, sociology, infectious diseases, immunology, and laboratory research.

The Belsky Research Group works on health equity geroscience. We aim to translate discoveries from the frontiers of aging biology to inform efforts to address social inequalities in healthy aging. We use clinical and molecular datasets to develop metrics to quantify biological processes of aging in young, midlife, and older humans. We use longitudinal cohort studies to investigate how social and environmental exposures across the life course shape trajectories of biological aging. And we use randomized controlled trials to test how changes to social conditions and behaviors can promote healthy trajectories of biological aging.

Primary Responsibilities

• Work with the principal investigator, project director, post- and pre-doctoral students, and other collaborators to develop and execute clear, well-documented statistical programs
• Design and implement statistical analysis and data management plans across data types (e.g. laboratory, genetic, qualitative, and quantitative)
• Lead data cleaning and dataset creation for projects in various stages of the research process (e.g., proposal/grant writing, pilot testing, data collection, data analysis, archived)
• Write statistical-related components (e.g. statistical methods and power analysis sections) for scientific presentations, manuscripts, study protocols, and grant applications; produce tables and figures based on study results
• Provide statistical consultation and advise on model selection
• Review and edit statistical programs and results written by colleagues
• Lead quality assurance and quality control efforts
• Perform data auditing across multiple projects
• Maintain understanding of university data security and sharing policies and securely share datasets with collaborators in accordance with established agreements
• Take initiative to acquire new statistical and/or programming skills as needed

-Subject to business needs, we may support flexible and hybrid work arrangements; Options will be discussed during the interview process

-Appointments are made on a fiscal year basis and are eligible for renewal each July 1st, contingent upon performance and funding

-The search will remain open for at least 30 days after the ad appears and will continue until the position is filled  

-Columbia University benefits are offered with this appointment

Required Qualifications

• PhD, ScD or DrPH in social sciences or public health, epidemiology, geography, or related field is preferred
• Experience in measurement and analysis of biological and social variables in the study of health and aging
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and verbal/written communication skills
• Significant research experience evidenced by peer-reviewed publications
• 5+ years of experience and expertise in measurement and analysis of biological aging, biomarkers, and/or other areas of epidemiology research
• Experience with SAS, STATA, and/or R programming software

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with GWAS data
• Experience or willingness to gain expertise in Python and related languages
• Demonstrated interest in the research topics investigated by the Aiello Research Group
• Familiarity with one or more of the following datasets: DNA methylation data, RNA sequencing data, metabolomics data

Hiring Salary Range: $66,100 - $120,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University also offers excellent benefits packages, a summary of which can be found on our Health and Welfare Benefits site.

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.  The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

About Columbia University

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.

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