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Requisition ID:  115462

Biostatistician

The Syphilis and HIV Integrated Epidemiologic and Economic Local-level Dynamics (SHIELD) team is looking for a Biostatistician to help us develop and maintain our core simulation models.


The SHIELD model is closely linked to the Johns Hopkins Epidemiologic and Economic Model (JHEEM) of local HIV transmission in the US. JHEEM is a modeling platform that addresses high-level public health questions– such as “how much would increasing HIV testing reduce incidence over a decade?” – using a rigorous, statistical framework. JHEEM runs large numbers of simulations at the city- and state-level to project a range of possible outcomes after implementing HIV-related interventions, to help inform decision-making. The model is coded in R, and large-scale simulations are carried out on cloud computing servers. Our projections are freely available online at https://jheem.shinyapps.io/EndingHIV/


Using a similar approach, SHIELD is a suite of mathematical models covering 40 US cities with the highest rates of syphilis and HIV diagnoses. SHIELD will encompass syphilis transmission, progression, HIV co-infection, STI care engagement dynamics, and demographic elements such as age, racial and ethnic disparities, risk profiles, and selected social determinants of health. Using this model, we aim to evaluate the potential impact of scaling up existing and emerging syphilis interventions, such as increased testing, expanded partner tracing, faster treatment initiation, and doxy-PEP. The objective is to determine the conditions under which these interventions would be cost-effective and impactful at a local level. Finally, we aim to develop a user-friendly online toolkit to empower decision-makers at local, state, and national levels to obtain customized projections of the impact from diagnostic or biomedical prevention interventions.


We are seeking a Biostatistician who will join a team of researchers and students working with both the JHEEM and SHIELD models. We are looking for someone who is motivated, excited to learn, and interested in applying epidemiological knowledge and computational skills to improve public health and help end the HIV epidemic.


Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Statistical Analysis:
    • Implement differential equation solvers and perform Bayesian statistical analyses to interpret simulation results.
    • Apply advanced statistical techniques to analyze data and derive meaningful insights.
  • Data Curation:
    • Curate and manage epidemiological data from sources such as the CDC and local public health agencies.
    • Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and relevance for ongoing research and analysis.
  • Custom Code Development:
    • Write and optimize custom code in R and/or other programming languages to facilitate complex simulations.
    • Develop scripts for data processing and simulation tasks.
  • Model Maintenance:
    • Maintain and update model code to ensure it remains relevant and effective in addressing key public health questions.
    • Implement improvements and refinements to enhance model performance and accuracy.
  • Literature Review:
    • Conduct comprehensive literature reviews on syphilis and HIV epidemiology to inform model development and research strategies.
    • Stay updated with current trends and findings in epidemiology to ensure the models reflect the latest scientific knowledge.


Minimum Qualifications
  • Master's Degree in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, or related quantitative field.
  • One year related experience.
  • Proven experience in writing and maintaining code in R and other programming languages.
  • Demonstrated ability on significant graduate project or additional doctoral education may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in public health or infectious disease epidemiology.
  • Experience in HIV and sexually transmitted diseases epidemiology.
  • Familiarity with additional programming languages or statistical software.
  • Familiarity with concepts in modeling and simulation analysis.
  • Experience in using differential equation solvers and Bayesian statistical methods.
  • Solid planning and organizational skills, ability to prioritize work independently, and work for periods without daily direction from investigators.

 

 

Classified Title: Biostatistician 
Job Posting Title (Working Title): Biostatistician   
Role/Level/Range: ACRP/04/MD  
Starting Salary Range: $55,800 - $97,600 Annually ($97,600 targeted; Commensurate with experience) 
Employee group: Full Time 
Schedule: Monday to Friday: 9 am – 5 pm 
Exempt Status: Exempt 
Location: School of Public Health - East Baltimore Campus 
Department name: 10001101-Epidemiology 
Personnel area: School of Public Health 

 

 

Total Rewards
The referenced base salary range represents the low and high end of Johns Hopkins University’s salary range for this position. Not all candidates will be eligible for the upper end of the salary range. Exact salary will ultimately depend on multiple factors, which may include the successful candidate's geographic location, skills, work experience, market conditions, education/training and other qualifications. Johns Hopkins offers a total rewards package that supports our employees' health, life, career and retirement. More information can be found here: https://hr.jhu.edu/benefits-worklife/.

Education and Experience Equivalency
Please refer to the job description above to see which forms of equivalency are permitted for this position. If permitted, equivalencies will follow these guidelines: JHU Equivalency Formula: 30 undergraduate degree credits (semester hours) or 18 graduate degree credits may substitute for one year of experience. Additional related experience may substitute for required education on the same basis. For jobs where equivalency is permitted, up to two years of non-related college course work may be applied towards the total minimum education/experience required for the respective job.

Applicants Completing Studies
Applicants who do not meet the posted requirements but are completing their final academic semester/quarter will be considered eligible for employment and may be asked to provide additional information confirming their academic completion date.

Background Checks
The successful candidate(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check. Johns Hopkins is committed to hiring individuals with a justice-involved background, consistent with applicable policies and current practice. A prior criminal history does not automatically preclude candidates from employment at Johns Hopkins University. In accordance with applicable law, the university will review, on an individual basis, the date of a candidate's conviction, the nature of the conviction and how the conviction relates to an essential job-related qualification or function.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Johns Hopkins University values diversity, equity and inclusion and advances these through our key strategic framework, the JHU Roadmap on Diversity and Inclusion.

Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

EEO is the Law
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

Accommodation Information
If you are interested in applying for employment with The Johns Hopkins University and require special assistance or accommodation during any part of the pre-employment process, please contact the Talent Acquisition Office at jhurecruitment@jhu.edu. For TTY users, call via Maryland Relay or dial 711. For more information about workplace accommodations or accessibility at Johns Hopkins University, please visit https://accessibility.jhu.edu/.

Vaccine Requirements
Johns Hopkins University strongly encourages, but no longer requires, at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine does not apply to positions located in the State of Florida. We still require all faculty, staff, and students to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. Exceptions to the COVID and flu vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the JHU vaccination registry. This change does not apply to the School of Medicine (SOM). SOM hires must be fully vaccinated with an FDA COVID-19 vaccination and provide proof of vaccination status. For additional information, applicants for SOM positions should visit https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/ and all other JHU applicants should visit https://covidinfo.jhu.edu/health-safety/covid-vaccination-information/.

The following additional provisions may apply, depending upon campus. Your recruiter will advise accordingly.
The pre-employment physical for positions in clinical areas, laboratories, working with research subjects, or involving community contact requires documentation of immune status against Rubella (German measles), Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B and documentation of having received the Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccination. This may include documentation of having two (2) MMR vaccines; two (2) Varicella vaccines; or antibody status to these diseases from laboratory testing. Blood tests for immunities to these diseases are ordinarily included in the pre-employment physical exam except for those employees who provide results of blood tests or immunization documentation from their own health care providers. Any vaccinations required for these diseases will be given at no cost in our Occupational Health office.
School of Public Health - East Baltimore Campus

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