Assistant Professor - Department of Biostatistics

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Tuition benefits

Job summary

The Department of Biostatistics at Virginia Commonwealth University seeks a full‑time, 12‑month Assistant Professor to advance biostatistics and health data science. The position emphasizes power analysis, causal inference, EHRs, big data, and Bayesian methods, funded for four years via CHRI.

Ideal candidates will build an extramurally funded program, collaborate across disciplines, and contribute to teaching and service while aligning with CHRI priorities and sustainable funding.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in Biostatistics, Statistics, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated track record in research via publications, presentations, and grant applications.
• Ability to work independently and with multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency in statistical software (R/SAS/STATA/Python) for complex analyses.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.

Responsibilities

• Communicate statistical concepts to non-statistical audiences.
• Collaborate on basic, translational, quality improvement and clinical projects.
• Develop a strong extramural-funded research program.
• Lead and publish collaborative research with CHRI investigators.
• Serve on Biostatistics/departmental committees as needed.

Skills

Independent work

Communication skills

Collaboration in research

Professionalism and civility

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in Biostatistics/Statistics/Bioinformatics/Computer Science

Tools

R

SAS

STATA

Python

Job description

Benefits

All full‑time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax‑deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well‑being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

Unit

School of Public Health MBU

Department

Biostatistics

This position will reside in the Department of Biostatistics, with all research‑related efforts committed to and funded by the Child Health Research Institute (CHRI), which is managed by the Department of Pediatrics and the Children’s Hospital of Richmond.

Position Overview

The Department of Biostatistics at Virginia Commonwealth University invites applications for a full‑time, 12‑month, term faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor. Candidates should have broad research expertise in biostatistics and health data science. Particular emphasis will be given to experience in one or more of the following areas: power analysis, secondary data analysis, causal inference, electronic health records, national survey data, dynamic treatment regime and precision medicine, functional data, advanced Bayesian methods, and big data analytics.

Funding for this position is committed for four years via the CHRI, with renewal contingent on performance and the availability of funds. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a strong extramurally funded research program, with effort allocated to sponsored projects. Work assignments will be prioritized toward collaborations with investigators whose research advances CHRI priorities and leads to sustainable extramural funding.

Duties & Responsibilities

This is a highly collaborative position, ideal for a biostatistician who thrives in interdisciplinary environments. The incoming faculty member will demonstrate the ability to communicate statistical concepts effectively to non‑statistical audiences, collaborate on basic, translational, quality improvement and clinical projects, and serve as a “statistical clinician” – focused on applied, impactful research rather than purely theoretical work.

Teaching

The faculty member’s teaching responsibilities will consist of ad hoc presentations to the CHRI research community, such as faculty development seminars, CHRI Research Retreats, and to residents, postdocs, and junior faculty groups as needed and requested.

Research

The faculty member is expected to generate collaborative publications with the CHRI researchers, both leading to and resulting from intra‑ and extramural funding.

Service

The faculty member will commit 5% of their time to serve on Biostatistics department, School, and/or University committees as necessary, as well as in a professional capacity in their discipline of interest (e.g., reviewer, conference organizer, etc.).

Qualifications

• Awarded a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in Biostatistics, Statistics, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated an established track record in research areas as mentioned above via scholarly activities, such as peer‑reviewed publications, presentations (invited/contributed), and grant applications (some evidence needed).
• Ability to work independently.
• Proficiency in statistical software, such as R, SAS, STATA, Python or others, with the ability to conduct complex statistical analysis on collaborative projects.
• Experience working in collaborative/multidisciplinary research endeavors, meeting deadlines, or at least exhibiting strong potential for doing so, and excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.

How to Apply

Materials to be uploaded include: (a) Cover letter / Letter of intent, (b) Research Statement (3‑5 pages), (c) Curriculum Vitae, and (d) Contact information for three professional references. Interested candidates may direct their questions to search committee chair Dr. Le Kang ([e-mail]). For consideration in the first round, applications are due on or before 11/30/2025, although applications will be accepted until successful candidates have been identified. Reviews of applications will begin 12/01/2025.

Salary Range

Commensurate

FLSA Exemption Status

Exempt

Restricted Position

No

ORP Eligible

Yes

Flexible Work Arrangement

Hybrid

Rank

Assistant Professor

Tenure

Ineligible

Months

12 months

Contact Information

Contact Name: Le Kang
Contact Email: [e-mail]