Please contact Nomsa Luthuli by fax on 27 011 938 3973 or e-mail to [log in to unmask] if you are interested . Closing date is flexible.  RegardsKatherine *************************************************************************************************************************************Job Announcement  The Perinatal HIV Research Unit of the University of the Witwatersrand was established in 1996 and has been at the forefront of HIV/AIDS research in South Africa. PHRU is involved in research, training, policy formation, and advocacy in issues concerning HIV-positive women and children. In recent years the work of the unit has expanded beyond the original focus of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, to include treatment trials in adults and children, tuberculosis research, prevention research, as well as health economics and psychosocial research. The unit now numbers nearly 300 employees and functions as a wide-ranging AIDS research center, working in close collaboration with many local and international partners. The Perinatal HIV Research Unit has a vacancy for a Senior Biostatistician based at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. The position would suit a confident, highly motivated individual with excellent communication skills, who has the ability to work with a range of health professionals in a highly active, stressful environment. The primary responsibilities of the Senior Biostatistician are: to manage and train a small team of Biostatisticians and Statistical Programmers; to assist in the planning of research studies; to analyze clinical research data; and to assist in the publication and presentation of research data. The successful candidate will have the ability to manage projects and staff, set realistic priorities, and plan for the successful implementation of activities. S/he should be able to work well with others in a team approach. The successful candidate's major responsibilities and duties will include: ·        Manage a team of Biostatisticians and Statistical Programmers;·        Provide training, support, and guidance to Biostatisticians and Statistical Programmers;·        Conduct quality review of statistical work generated by the Statistics department;·        Assist with development of research protocols, including sample size calculation and writing statistical methods section;·        Review and revision of case report form and questionnaire design;·        Review and revision of data management plans;·        Development of statistical analysis plans;·        Statistical analysis using SAS and other statistical tools;·        Report writing, and preparation of research abstracts and poster presentations;·        Assist data department with the quality management of research databases;·        Assist in the development and implementation of Statistics departmental systems and structures, including: forms and reports templates, training, documentation, and standard operating procedures;·        Attend trainings, meetings, and conferences (locally and internationally) as necessary;·        Ensure that good clinical practice guidelines are followed;·        Communicate with investigators and representatives from sponsoring company as necessary. It is expected that the successful candidate will be responsible for a number of tasks that require good organisational, administrative and analytical skills, and will adhere to international and South African research and GCP practices. Position RequirementsThe Senior Biostatistician must be a highly organised, problem-solving person. S/he should have a minimum of 5 years experience in the HIV clinical research environment, including extensive experience developing statistical methodology and analyzing clinical trials and epidemiologic research data.  Three years project and staff management experience is required.  Expert SAS programming skills is required. Important attributes would be attention to detail, able to follow through on any/all issues faced, and possess excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills (both written and verbal), and presentation skills.  QualificationsDoctoral (PhD) level academic training in Biostatistics and/or Epidemiology. The position is offered as a one-year contract post in the first instance, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funding and excellent work performance. The closing date for applications is July 31, 2004.  Please send an application letter with a CV attached. Your CV must include at least two professional references for contact, (be certain to include name and contact information for your references) Please contact: Nomsa Luthuli by fax on 27 011 938 3973 or e-mail to [log in to unmask]