Statistician / Data Analysis Scientist

Summary and Purpose

This position requires an individual that is exceptionally strong in statistics and/or mathematics yet also possesses a technical aptitude to work with scientists from a variety of technical disciplines. Several statistical techniques and analytical methods will be used to support research and development.  Experience with both the capture of data using different tools, management/manipulation of large data, and extensive knowledge of a wide variety of data analysis methods is important.   This candidate will be responsible for gathering existing data and/or generating new data to solve technical, business or project related problems. Data analysis tools and methods include, but are not limited to, linear and non-linear regression, design of experiments, sample size calculations, multivariate methods, genetic algorithm, neural network, Gaussian processes and other machine learning techniques.  The analytical work will support a range of projects from highly technical problems to commercial applications.  This will also involve projects ranging from manufacturing to development and research.  It is expected that this person will create predictive tools that will enable both business and technical decisions. 

Day to Day Responsibilities:

• Work alongside scientists and project teams to design and analyze efficient experiments to optimize use of resources to collect information for investigations, validations, and process improvement  
• Develop new theories or expand upon existing theories using a combination of data and direction from project leaders
• Lead the evaluation, introduction, development and education of advanced statistical procedures to address complex biological questions and apply these procedures to key initiatives for ongoing monitoring and analysis of data
• Research all external and internal information relative to the problems identified by the project team
• Collaborate with existing subject matter experts to solve very difficult problems
• Be imaginative, create, inventive, and implement new or better approaches, alternatives, and breakthrough ideas.
• Participate on cross functional teams to develop and test hypotheses related to materials understanding
• Develop individual protocols and statistical analysis plans and independently determine appropriate statistical methodology for analysis
• Develop models using appropriate methods and software
• Evaluate appropriateness of available software for planned analyses and ascertain needs for potential program development of novel statistical methodology
• Execute ad-hoc evaluations of Operations and R&D process data in support of new product introductions which may include reassessment and confirmation of in-process controls and release specifications
• Exercise scientific judgment regarding advanced statistical methodologies in order to provide research and statistical consulting expertise for product evaluation.
• Apply advanced statistical knowledge and professional statistical modeling concepts in accordance with company objectives to solve complex biological problems in creative and effective ways.
• Communicate results to teams and stakeholders as needed

Minimum required education and experience: Masters or PhD level graduate in Statistics and/or Mathematics complemented with formal classes in a scientific discipline such as physics or engineering.

Required Skills

• Demonstrated experience and strong technical knowledge in data driven and predictive modeling
• Data Analysis Experience using any mix of software including, but not limited to: JMP, SAS, and other statistical software (data step processing, developing and calling SAS macros, and running statistical procedures: SAS programming expertise strongly preferred)
• Proficiency in Statistical Methods including DOE, Hypothesis Testing, Inferential Statistics, ANOVA, Multivariate Analysis, Linear models and Regression Analysis
• Ability to work effectively, collaborating closely with scientists and working on multi-discipline teams
• Demonstrated ability to learn, be proactive and motivated, and consistently focus on details and execution
• Good written and verbal communication skills

Desired Skills

• Familiarity with physics-based modeling for technical fields such as CFD, Heat Transfer or Solid Mechanics
• Interest in real world applications of Statistical Methods to problems in the sciences and technology
• Programming Languages: VBA, C/C++, Java, Python
• Solid knowledge of statistical analysis methodologies and experimental design including how to analyze Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) / Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) / Whole exome sequencing WES) / gene expression etc. data
• Experience with building advanced models using Neural Networks, Genetic Algorithm, etc.
• Applied consulting experience or project management

Soft Skills

• Must be collaborative and able to openly engage with colleagues to achieve project goals
• The ability to translate difficult technical concepts to broader audience
• Self-motivated with an ability to manage one’s own work independently
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to take feedback constructively and use it for personal growth

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is performed in a chemical laboratory and polymer processing setting. In the laboratory setting the handling of chemical agents will be required.  
• Work is performed using office equipment with substantial time spent working on a computer. Requires sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate computer keyboard and other office and laboratory equipment. 
• Requires walking, climbing stairs and ladders, bending and occasional lifting of material up to fifty (50) pounds
• Performance of this position will require exposure to laboratory hazards which require the use of personal protective equipment