Job Description

Zvitambo is an internationally recognized multidisciplinary public health research institute with the mission of helping children survive and thrive through research. We work in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care to conduct research and provide technical support and education to reduce the burden of malnutrition and infectious diseases, and give children a good start in life. Zvitambo is registered as a non-profit company with the Ministry of Justice, and operates from a head office in Harare, and a field site in Shurugwi.

Job Purpose
Zvitambo is seeking an experienced Biostatistician to conduct analysis and modelling in a study examining the links between climate change and child nutrition. The postholder will lead the biostatistical analyses working with the study investigators and other field researchers. This study includes both quantitative and qualitative work. The study will be conducted in Murehwa and Shurugwi. Travel to both study sites may be required. The post holder will be based at our offices in Harare.

The postholder will assist the Project Investigator and Project Lead in developing the study protocol with statistical input, will help with compiling and analysing data, and writing statistical analysis plans and writing manuscripts for publication. Quantitative modelling will combine spatial environmental data (e.g. temperature, humidity, rainfall ) with survey data to better understand the linkages between climate change and child malnutrition. Analysis approaches will include GIS, multi-level modelling, and structural equational modelling. The quantitative portion of the study will use secondary data to examine linkages between climate change and child nutrition. For the qualitative work, we will use River of Life methodology combined with transect walks to understand community understanding of the linkages between climate change and child nutrition. This knowledge will be summarized and the postholder will assist with statistical input in co-design workshops with agricultural and health care workers at the community level. The final part of the study will be to develop policy communication for stakeholders. This project is a partnership between Zvitambo, Cornell University, Food and Nutrition Council and the Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT).

Duties and Responsibilities

Main Duties
• Collaborate with researchers to develop appropriate study designs, including sample size calculations, randomization procedures, and statistical analysis plans Perform advanced statistical analyses on research data using appropriate software (e.g., R, SAS, STATA) to address research questions and hypotheses.
• Develop and validate statistical models to analyze complex biological, clinical, and epidemiological data, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of results.
• Collate spatial environmental data and extract relevant variables
• Run relevant spatial and statistical analyses using environmental data and survey data on child health outcomes
• Interpret study findings and communicate results effectively to researchers, clinicians, and other stakeholders through written reports, presentations, and visualizations.
• Lead the preparation of materials for ethical approval and fieldwork protocol guidance.
• Prepare progress reports to regulatory bodies (e.g. MRCZ and MoHCC)
• Participate in study-related training sessions and regular meetings
• Contribute to writing project reports and journal publications based on research findings; the latter to be submitted to peer-review journals of high international ranking.

Qualifications and Experience

QUALIFICATIONS
Essential:
• Minimum Degree in Statistics, Public Health, Data Analytics or a related field.
• Master’s degree in Biostatistics, Statistics, or a related field is required
• 5 years proven experience in biostatistical analysis within a research or academic environment, preferably in the healthcare or life sciences sector.
• Proficiency in statistical software packages such as R, SAS, or STATA, as well as experience with data management and manipulation.
• Strong understanding of clinical trial design, epidemiological methods, and regulatory requirements governing biomedical research.
• Experience with GIS and spatial analysis
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and convey complex statistical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and experience in mentoring junior staff or leading statistical projects on time in full.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks governing clinical research, such as Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software (including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Clean class 4 drivers licence.

Desirable:
• PhD in Statistics, Nutrition, Public health or a relevant field
• Experience using a variety of qualitative research methods, including conducting semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions.
• Track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals or presentations at scientific conferences demonstrating contributions to the field of biostatistics.
• Experience working with communities to co-design interventions especially in a rural setting
• Experience working within a research organization
• Keen understanding of the research ecosystem in Zimbabwe.

How to Apply

How to apply:

Please email your application to [email protected] with the subject heading: Application for Climate Change Nutrition Senior Biostatistician. Please include a cover letter, CV, and other supporting documents; it is preferable if this can be combined as one PDF document.

The closing date for applications is 17 July 2024. This post will start in August/September of 2024. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Consider your application unsuccessful if not contacted within eight (8) weeks after the closing date of the advert. Any form of lobbying at any stage will lead to automatic disqualification.

By submitting your personal information, you consent to Zvitambo holding and using it in accordance with its recruitment policy and procedure. Zvitambo reserves the right to verify documents attached with the relevant awarding institutions to authenticate their validity.

Zvitambo is an equal opportunity employer committed to having a diverse work force.