Specialist - Research-Fixed Term

Working/Functional Title

Statistician

Position Summary

This is a fixed term appointment on a 12-month basis for an initial one-year period, with the possibility of annual renewal, subject to satisfactory progress and continued funding. Our team members choose to work in-person or have hybrid work arrangements (telecommuting within Michigan is permitted up to 3 days per week). Candidates should have a Ph.D. in Statistics, Biostatistics, or a related quantitative field by the start of the appointment. 

You will: 

  1. collaborate with MSU faculty on grant proposals and publications;
  2. apply statistical, computational, and scientific expertise to the design, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of research studies across a wide range of disciplines;  
  3. mentor MSU graduate students on statistical design and analysis;   
  4. participate in developing and delivering CSTAT workshops to the general University audience. 

Team members at CSTAT customize their software configurations to meet their specific needs and skillsets, but across the team the tools we are using include:  

  • R and Rstudio (most common), Quarto, MPlus, Qualtrics, SPSS, SAS, Python, SQL Server  

  • GitHub, GitLab, and many things open science 

  • A broad range of statistical methods including causal inference, multi-level models, survival analysis, high dimensional data analysis, Bayesian statistics, machine learning, and more. 

The biggest benefit of CSTAT is becoming part of our awesome team. Our talented team members enjoy working with, growing with, and supporting each other. They also enjoy the following benefits: 

  • Professional Development: an annual allowance is provided to stay on top of your game with conferences, books, or membership in professional societies.

  • Equal opportunity and diversity: we value everyone, regardless of position or seniority, and like to see everyone maximize their impact on CSTAT and MSU. We are proud to embrace diversity and respect for each other. Different perspectives and backgrounds make us thrive and shine.  

  • Technology: we provide computing equipment and software; access to MSU's high performance computing platform is available. 

  • Flexible schedule: Flexibility in scheduling and hybrid work are possible.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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

Required Degree

Doctorate -Statistics, Biostatistics

Minimum Requirements

The job requires a Ph.D. in a quantitative field; excellent programming skills in a statistical software, e.g. R or Python; a strong background in applied statistical methodology and research data management; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Strong interpersonal skills and written/oral communication skills are essential. 

Required Application Materials

  • A cover letter explaining your interest in CSTAT, statistics experience and commitment to inclusivity (max 2-3 pages).   

  • A CV citing education, research experience, and professional development activities.   

  • Letters from three references 

Special Instructions

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.  Please review all application requirements before applying. 

Review of Applications Begins On

05/08/2025

Website

https://cstat.msu.edu/

Department Statement

CSTAT is a unit within the Office of Research and Innovation at MSU and has a proud tradition of collaborating with internationally renowned researchers. CSTAT provides employees with a diverse, challenging set of duties that foster learning new skills and knowledge and a collegial environment where employees regularly share information, ideas, resources, and solutions to problems. CSTAT invests in employees by providing on-the-job training, mentoring, and coaching; and providing financial support for professional development.     

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

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