Description:

Possesses, understands, and applies a comprehensive knowledge in area of specialization. Develops understanding and skills to allow for completion of assignments that cross fields of specialization. Develops leadership and management skills.

1. Receives/Reviews progress and evaluates results of experiments or projects under control or supervisory responsibility.
2. Recommends changes in research, testing or experimental procedures.
3. May be responsible for a single highly technical and complex piece of research equipment.
4. May review and evaluate the effectiveness of personnel.
5. May plan for and assign personnel to projects under control.
6. Operates with latitude for unreviewed action.
7. May receive general supervision conferring with higher levels only in unusual situations.
8. Performs other job-related duties as required.

Position Overview
The Clinical Research Center for Developmental Language Disorder at the University of Houston is seeking a highly skilled Postdoctoral Fellow to provide advanced epidemiological and biostatistical support for a large-scale, NIH-funded multi-year longitudinal epidemiological study. This study project aims to estimate the prevalence, identify risk factors, and validate diagnostic criteria for Late Talking (LT) and Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) within a representative pediatric population. The Postdoctoral Fellow will work closely with the PI, Cores, and project staff to serve as a key quantitative driver. This role is ideal for an early-career researcher who wants to apply complex survey methodologies, maintain electronic REDCap data tracking systems, and execute data integration techniques within a highly productive, multidisciplinary team.

Funding Duration:
This is a benefits eligible position for one year with the possibility of renewal for multiple years.  A minimum commitment of 2–3 years is expected.

Key Responsibilities
Statistical Analyses: Conduct advanced biostatistical analyses under the direction of project PI, including longitudinal modeling and risk factor identification.
Weight Calculations: Integrate complex Electronic Health Record (EPIC) data with U.S. Census data to calculate, evaluate, and apply post-stratification survey weights.
REDCap Management & Workflows: Collaborate on REDCap-based workflows, oversee data dictionary architecture, design data entry tools, and run validation scripts.
Cross-Project Coordination: Work closely with multi-institutional PIs to track, manage, and isolate specific subsamples in REDCap needed for connected projects.
Validation Studies: Execute statistical validation studies on clinical and psychometric criteria used by speech-language pathologists to establish disorder status.
Research Dissemination: Partner with Project PI and team on high-impact manuscripts, prepare conference abstracts, and present findings at national meetings.
Team Operations: Participate actively in weekly sub-team data syncs and biweekly full-team collaborative meetings across the research network.
 
Qualifications:
Education: Ph.D. in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Statistics, or highly related quantitative field.
Technical Background: Proven experience in longitudinal data analysis, complex survey sampling, post-stratification weighting, or missing data methodologies.
Database & Software Skills: Proficiency in data extraction and management within electronic data capture systems, REDCap, alongside advanced programming skills in statistical languages such as R, SAS, or Stata.
Preferred Experience: Familiarity handling large cohort datasets, administrative records, or Electronic Health Record (EHR) pipelines.
Communication: Excellent technical writing capabilities and a strong desire to publish peer-reviewed scientific literature.
 
Research Opportunities:
Renowned Research Hub: A funded position within the Clinical Research Center for Developmental Language Disorder, offering a stable and collaborative scientific infrastructure.
High-Impact Data: Direct access to a massive, unique, and highly diverse longitudinal pediatric dataset in the Greater Houston area.
Mentorship & Career Growth: Structured professional development from senior biostatistician, with protected time and support for independent grant applications.

Applicant should submit:
Curriculum vitae
Brief statement of research interests
Contact information for three references
Applications should be submitted through the University of Houston’s internal hiring system. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For questions about the position, please contact:
Julia S. Benoit, PhD
Julia.Benoit@times.uh.edu

MQ: Requires singular knowledge of a specialized advanced professional discipline or the highest level of general business knowledge, normally acquired through attainment of a directly job-related terminal degree or equivalent formal training in a recognized field of specialization that is directly related to the type of work being performed. No experience is required.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.