Assistant Specialist - Wingo Lab

The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provide technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment or with social science research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence, in particular relating to, but not limited to, statistical analyses of scientific data.

Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and/or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding.

The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT) A. Collaborate with other research and extension personnel affiliated with research activities involving NIH-funded and other projects analyzing longitudinal/time-series data and multi-omics data (genetic, transcriptomic, epigenetic, and proteomic data) to uncover new insights into Alzheimer’s disease and other psychiatric disorders (depression, PTSD).

Evaluation of performance in research activities or in outreach activities as deemed applicable to the individual project in specialized areas, as documented by any of the following:

1. Publications that acknowledge the Specialist's significant and meaningful contribution to the work.
2. Publications on which the Specialist is an author.
3. Other evidence (e.g., letters from collaborators or principal investigators) that work done by the Specialist contributed to publishable research.
4. Active dissemination of information (beyond the boundaries of the campus) through informal instruction, presentations, or other means stemming from the Specialist's research accomplishments.
5. Other evidence of recognized expertise may include formal documentation of intellectual effort and participation in publishable research activities, first authorship on publications/patents, presentation of research at regional/national meetings, invitations to review grant proposals and/or journal articles, invitations to participate in research projects, and/or service on advisory panels. B. Perform statistical analyses of scientific data, present results at lab meetings, keep meticulous records of codes and data analysis, backs up scientific data and analysis results, teaches lab members on an infrequent basis, and writes the statistical methods for manuscripts under the supervision of principal investigators. C. Develops and analyzes a variety of research data using statistical methods. Assists researchers in developing appropriate study protocols and computer analyses. Manages computer systems, writes programs, and trains others in the use of systems. Provides statistical expertise in the areas of study design and data analysis to investigators/researchers interested in conducing clinical or experimental studies. Works effectively within a group setting in areas of design of data collection instruments, study design, database management, statistical programming, analysis of data, statistical graphics and writing of reports which include explanations of methods used and interpretation of results obtained. Consults with investigators to determine questions of interest and data needed to address those questions. Determines and carries out appropriate statistical analyses. Interprets and presents data descriptions and analysis results including the explanation of statistical techniques used, the assumptions made and the generalization of results. Documents methods and results through preparation of interdepartmental memoranda and reports. Performs related responsibilities as assigned. II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT) A. May participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations. III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT) A. May participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus and other University entities, as appropriate. This recruitment is conducted at the Assistant rank. The resulting hire will be at the Assistant rank, regardless of the proposed appointee's qualifications. The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate that they are legally authorized to work in the United States. The University will not offer sponsorship of a visa for this position.