Biostatistician / Health Analytics Open Rank Faculty Search

Sep 11, 2017

The Virginia Tech Department of Statistics ( invites applications for an open rank tenured or tenure track faculty position in biostatistics to begin in August 2018. Requirements include a Ph.D. in Biostatistics, Statistics, Biometry, Bioinformatics, Biomedical Informatics or a closely related field. The position is a 9-month, tenure or tenure-track appointment, with the opportunity to conduct additional extramurally funded research in the summer. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

This position is part of a university-wide emphasis on data analytics and statistics that will include nine new positions, including biostatistics and health analytics, at Virginia Tech. The successful applicant will:

– Lead the development of a biostatistics research program and capabilities, including promoting research in the health sciences, fostering synergistic interactions among Virginia Tech faculty, and supporting the emerging health sciences by building a foundation for additional biostatistics research.

– Collaborate with researchers, scientists, and clinicians from across the university as part of Virginia Tech’s burgeoning health and medical research programs. Collaborating organizations include the Virginia Tech School of Medicine, the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, the Virginia Tech Public Health Program, the School of Neuroscience, and the Department of Statistics.

Responsibilities

The successful applicant will create and maintain a nationally prominent research program focused on biostatistics methods and applications. As a founding member of the Data Analytics and Decision Sciences destination area ( he or she will develop and collaborate in transdisciplinary research with faculty and scientists from across campus, including the Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute ( the Virginia Tech School of Medicine ( the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine ( and the Virginia Tech Public Health Program (

Expectations for this position include providing effective mentoring for junior faculty, postdocs, and graduate students; teaching and advising a diverse population of undergraduate and graduate students; continuing development of professional capabilities and scholarly activities; curriculum development; participation in department, college, and university governance; and professional service. The faculty handbook (available at provides a complete description of faculty responsibilities.

Required qualifications

Applicants must have a strong background in biostatistics; compelling promise for developing, or in the case of senior applicants continuing, a well-funded, internationally distinguished research program of methodological and collaborative research; demonstrated experience with and commitment to interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research; a willingness to cross disciplinary boundaries to tackle complex scientific challenges; a desire to advise and teach a student body which is diverse with respect to socio-economic status, interests, and abilities; and commitment/sensitivity to address issues of diversity in the university community. Applicants must have earned a doctorate in a relevant discipline at the time of appointment.

Preferred qualifications

Preference will be given to senior candidates with a distinguished scholarly record of teaching and research in statistical methods applied in a medical or health context, a demonstrated track record of leadership in the development of biostatistics educational and research programs, and/or an interest in health analytics.

How to apply

Questions regarding the position can be directed to Professor Ron Fricker (View email address on click.appcast.io), chair of the Faculty Search Committee and head of the Department of Statistics. Applications must be submitted online at (#TR0160168) and should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching statement, research plan, and contact information for at least three references. Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2017 andwill continue untilthe position isfilled. As part of the hiring process, the successful applicant must pass a criminal background check.

Virginia Tech is committed to a culturally and ethnically diverse campus environment and to principles that promote inclusive practices. Candidates are encouraged to address in their cover letters how their research, teaching, or service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and inclusion in higher education. More information is available at

Virginia Tech is an EO/AA university, and offers a wide range of networking and development opportunities to women and minorities in science and engineering. The university recognizes that meeting the needs of today’s professional couples is a key factor in recruiting and retaining new faculty and has established a dual career office to facilitate our commitment ( The Department of Statistics offers a supportive environment, including a mentoring program to its junior faculty. Individuals with disabilities desiring accommodations in the application process should notify Ms. Betty Higginbotham, Department of Statistics, Tel: View phone number on click.appcast.io, Email: View email address on click.appcast.io.