Job Description

IFDC is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Research Scientist - Biostatistician - to join our dynamic team. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in designing experiments, analyzing data, and providing statistical expertise to support laboratory, greenhouse, and field research projects related to agriculture and fertilizer development. The Research Scientist - Biostatistician will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, contribute to data interpretation, and support the generation of reports and presentations. The biostatistician is expected to work independently and collaboratively with other scientists both at headquarters and in the field programs. The biostatistician also interfaces with non-technical users to assist with data interpretation and understanding of results. He/she reports to the Soils Consortium Director.

DUTIES

Lead the development and implementation of statistical methodologies for experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation of laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments conducted globally by IFDC.

Ensure that trials are designed with appropriate statistical rigor and develop statistical programs as needed to perform analyses and present data effectively.

Provides fit-for-purpose statistics and data analytics support to the research team, projects, and also involves in data management.

Assist and train scientists/experts in experimental design, data collection, analysis and interpretation and use of computer programs/statistical packages.

Collaborate closely with research and project staff to address complex data analytics and statistical questions, evaluate identifiable factors, and interpret complex datasets.

Identify data needs and provide recommendations; efficiently process, clean, and verify the integrity of data used for analyses.

Prepare technical bulletins, publications, and reports based on research findings and contribute to information and data decision support systems related to fertilizer efficiency, nutrient response, soil mapping, and more.

Perform other related research duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS

Ph.D. or master\xe2\x80\x99s degree in statistics, data science or related quantitative field

D. with 3+ years or masters with 5+ years\xe2\x80\x99 experience in statistical methods applied to experimental design and analysis, including programming, multivariate statistics, probability, and spatial statistics preferably in international research organization.

Familiarity with recent developments of statistical theory such as the concepts and applications of the Generalized Linear Mixed Models for Analysis of Variance and Regression Analysis.

Familiarity with experimental designs such as Incomplete Blocks, Lattices and Latin Squares, mainly for greenhouse experiments.

Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., R, Python, SQL, SAS) and statistical software for data manipulation, statistical modeling, and drawing insights from datasets.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interactions with non-statistician functions

Able to prioritize work and complete deliverables to timelines with limited supervision.

Strong organizational skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.

Experience with visualization and rapid prototyping tools (R Shiny, Spotfire, Power BI)

Technical understanding of soil science and agronomic experiments

PREFFERED REQUIREMENTS

Formal training and experience in Generalized Linear Mixed models, machine learning models, stochastic or mathematical simulation models.

Demonstrated accountability, continuous development, collaboration, strong communication, and storytelling skills.

Ability to network and collaborate with colleagues from diverse technical backgrounds to build and enable end to end solutions.

Excellent English written and verbal communication skills and the ability to successfully collaborate and lead projects with colleagues from diverse technical backgrounds.

Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, flexibility, and attention to details

DIFFICULTY OF WORK

This position requires knowledge of mathematical statistics, applied statistics, econometrics, agricultural economics, soil fertility, computer software, and programming. Judgment and interpretation are necessary to adapt guidelines and develop new methods to achieve research objectives.

RESPONSIBILITY

The Research Scientist - Biostatistics is responsible for making most technical decisions without supervision. Work assignments are based on project work plans or general instructions from a supervisor. Errors in experimental design and data analysis may impact research project results. This position occasionally provides technical guidance to other IFDC staff members.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS

This position interacts with colleagues, staff, and co-workers to provide data, explain analysis or work together to develop experiment designs, information systems and databases. This position also instructs at training programs.

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position primarily works in a normal office environment with no unusual physical demands or exposure to hazardous materials. This position travels to various developing countries. Risks inherent in a developing-country environment apply to this position.

IFDC