Project Description

About your environment

Cancer Council Victoria has been leading efforts against cancer since 1936 through world leading research, prevention, support and advocacy programs. The Cancer Epidemiology and Intelligence Division (CEID) consists of several resources and programs that contribute to the generation of intelligence about cancer including the Cancer Epidemiology Centre and the Victorian Cancer Registry. Cancer Council and the Victorian Department of Health (the Department) jointly participate in the Victorian component of the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP), a unique and innovative global partnership of clinicians, academics and policymakers. The ICBP aims to generate insight and understanding that will help improve cancer survival outcomes by optimising cancer policies and services.

About your opportunity

We are seeking a Research Officer (Statistician) to join CEID. Reporting to the Team Leader, Analysis of Linked Information on Cancer, your role is to:

  • Extract, clean and analyse data from various linked datasets which draw together population-based information on key aspects of the clinical care pathways of cancer patients in Victoria
  • Contribute to statistical analysis plans, progress reports, scientific papers for publication and results summaries for presentation to internal and external stakeholders
  • Respond to ad hoc requests for analysis of datasets and assist in the preparation of ethics applications
  • All about you

We are looking for someone with:

  • An Honours Degree in statistics, epidemiology or in a related discipline with substantial statistical training and demonstrated post qualification experience in relevant statistical analysis
  • The ability to contribute to writing reports and scientific manuscripts with well-developed analytical and problem solving skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines

What we can offer you

This full-time fixed term position for 12 months provides a salary within range $53,339 – $59,031 pa plus superannuation, annual leave loading and the benefits of not-for-profit salary packaging and a meal entertainment card. We also offer a flexible and friendly work environment, social and wellbeing activities and a location close to public transport.

 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

CANCER COUNCIL VICTORIA

Cancer Council Victoria (Cancer Council) is an independent charity that has been leading the fight against cancer since 1936. We are the largest non-government provider of cancer research funds in Victoria. Cancer Council undertakes three important aspects of cancer control — research, prevention and support for people with cancer, their families and friends. Our people undertake the work of Cancer Council in line with the values of Excellence, Integrity and Compassion.

DIVISION OVERVIEW

The purpose of the Cancer Epidemiology and Intelligence Division (CEID) is to progress the cancer control objectives of the Cancer Council Victoria by developing and maintaining high quality resources for epidemiological evaluation and research to maintain national and international recognition for excellence in epidemiological research and scholarship.

The CEID consists of several resources and programs that contribute to the generation of intelligence about cancer including the Cancer Epidemiology Centre (CEC) and the Victorian Cancer Registry (VCR). Research programs and studies within the CEC include the Rare or Under-Researched Cancer Program (RESoURCES); the Über Cohort Maintenance Program (ÜCMP); the Diet & Nutrition Program; and the Australian Breakthrough Cancer (ABC) Study.

OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH PROJECT

Cancer Council and the Victorian Department of Health (the Department) jointly participate in the Victorian component of the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP), a unique and innovative global partnership of clinicians, academics and policymakers. The ICBP aims to generate insight and understanding that will help improve cancer survival outcomes by optimising cancer policies and services.

As part of the contribution of the Department and Cancer Council to ICBP a record linkage has been completed between the Victorian Cancer Registry (VCR) and in- patient hospital data from the Victorian Admitted Episodes Dataset (VAED). Further to the goals of the ICBP, the linked VCR-VAED dataset, as well as extended linkages to other health-related datasets including the Victorian Radiotherapy Minimum Dataset and Victorian Emergency Minimum Dataset, draw together population-based information on key aspects of the clinical care pathways of cancer patients in Victoria. The analysis of these datasets will facilitate the provision of information relevant to important questions that are central to policy and practice in the Victorian context and allow these questions to be addressed in a timely and efficient manner. These analyses will also inform research, as well as Victoria’s contribution to the National Cancer Work Plan and State Cancer Plan.

POSITION SUMMARY

The position entails the cleaning and analysis of the linked datasets and assistance with the preparation of reports, presentations and scientific manuscript for publication. It may also involve responding to ad hoc requests for analysis of other datasets under the direction of the team leader.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  •  Contributes to the preparation of statistical analysis plans
  •  Extracts, cleans and analyses data from the linked datasets in accordance with established analysis plans and timelines.
  •  Prepares results summaries for presentation to internal and external stakeholders
  •  Contributes to the writing of progress reports for CEID and the department
  •  Contributes to the writing of authoritative reports to inform policy
  •  Contributes to the writing of scientific papers for publication in peer reviewed journals and grant applications for new research projects.
  •  Provides regular and ad-hoc reports to CEID and Department staff and external collaborators.
  •  Gives presentations at internal meetings.
  •  Attends and reports to relevant CEID, Department and project collaborators’ meetings.
  •  Assists in the preparation of ethics applications
  • Such other duties as directed and consistent with the employee’s level of skill, competence and training.

Accountability

Works collaboratively with peers and superiors on agreed research projects. Accountable for the accuracy of analysis and information provided. Contributes to the development and achievement of team objectives by providing statistical advice and input to proposed analyses. While they will be formally employed by Cancer Council, the incumbent will also be expected to attend the Department premises to undertake some aspects of their work.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential Criteria

Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills

  • At least an Honours Degree in statistics, epidemiology or in a related discipline with substantial statistical training.
  • At least 2 years post qualification experience of statistical analysis in relevant areas such as epidemiology.
  • Ability to contribute to writing reports and scientific manuscripts
  • Ability to contribute to discussions concerning statistical analysis.
  • Well-developed analytical and problem solving skills.
  • Ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines, while being flexible.
  • Good interpersonal skills, including written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to function as part of a team.

Desirable Criteria

  • Advanced qualifications in statistics.
  • Familiarity with the statistical software packages Stata, R and/or SAS

Special Requirements

  • Non-smoker