Biostatistics Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Public Health Sciences

Overview

The Biostatistics Division in the Department of Public Health Sciences in the School of Medicine at the University of Virginia (UVA) is seeking a highly motivated post‑doctoral research associate. The research associate will work with Dr. Hong Zhu and a multidisciplinary research team in development and implementation of novel methods for comparative effectiveness research (CER) using complex observational healthcare data, with application to cancer studies.

The associate will also collaborate on and support multiple interdisciplinary research projects funded by a multi‑institution, NCI‑funded, U54 SPORE grant on childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, under the supervision of Dr. Hong Zhu, Co‑Director of U54 Biostatistics and Data Management Core.

Work with the research team to develop and implement new methods for CER and for the U54 projects.

• For the CER project: model multilevel survival data in the presence of confounding and missing data, apply machine learning approaches as appropriate, develop computing programs and software, and apply new methods to real‑world healthcare data.
• For the U54 projects: plan and conduct database development and data management, design and perform reproducible statistical analyses for interim and final reports, assist with abstract and manuscript preparation, and develop and implement innovative procedures in data collection, data management, presentation of results, and statistical analyses.

The selected candidate will be expected to participate in the development of publications for peer‑reviewed journals and grant proposals to funding agencies.

Qualified candidates must have a PhD in biostatistics, statistics, or a related quantitative field, by the appointment start date.

Strong background and experience in survival analysis, missing data methods, causal inference, machine learning, and clinical biostatistics are preferred, including proficiency in R, SAS/STATA, Python, and/or Markdown. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job occasionally requires traveling some distance to attend meetings and programs.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. This is an exempt‑level, benefited position.

This is a restricted position, which is dependent on funding and is contingent upon funding availability. This is a 12‑month appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. The position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and must be performed fully on‑site.

Application review will begin after May 2, 2026.

How to Apply

online: search for requisition number R0082712. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants:
Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third‑party partner, Skill Survey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

For additional information about the position, please contact Hong Zhu, Professor, at hzhu2m.

For questions about the application process, please contact Bill Crane, Senior Recruiter, at xer5ff.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non‑discrimination and equal opportunity employment.