Summary

The Biostatistics and Research Data Lab at the USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center (CNRC) is seeking a full‑time Staff Scientist to serve as a scientific leader within our research community. The Lab’s mission is to support and elevate high‑quality research by providing expertise in study design, statistical methodology, data management, analytic strategy, grant development, and training for investigators across the Center. Under the guidance of the Core Director, the Staff Scientist will play a critical role in shaping and advancing the scientific agenda of the Lab and its collaborators. The Staff Scientist will develop and lead independent research projects, contribute to independent and collaborative grant submissions, and create, refine, and validate innovative methods for analyzing complex human behavioral data (e.g., physical activity, gaze detection, dietary assessment). Will also guide Center‑wide efforts to strengthen scientific rigor, reproducibility, and methodological best practices.

This position requires demonstrated experience in scientific writing, grant proposal development, and design and conduct of clinical or behavioral research in obesity, nutrition, activity behaviors, or related fields. A strong record of peer‑reviewed publications is expected. Beyond their own research program, the Staff Scientist will serve as a high-level scientific collaborator, contributing intellectually and practically to multidisciplinary projects within the Division of Nutrition. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, works effectively with an established team of investigators, and contributes expertise that elevates the methodological and analytic quality of research across the CNRC.

Job Duties

• Design statistically rigorous research protocols, IRB protocol submissions, and independent and collaborative grant submissions to various funding agencies and sponsors.
• Work independently, and in conjunction with others, to design, analyze, and interpret complex datasets using advanced statistical tools, including (1) Generalized Linear Models, , (2) Hierarchical (multi-level) Modeling, (3) Individualized Dynamic Latent Factor Modeling, (4) Multilevel-Structural Equation Modeling (MSEM), (5) Time Series analyses to identify trends, cycles, and patterns, and (6) Artificial Intelligence/Machine learning (AI/ML) methods for clustering, variable selection, and predictive modeling. Using these statistical tools, the Staff Scientist will communicate the underlying structure of the data, detect anomalies, and present analysis results to the Core Director, principal investigators, and academic collaborators.
• Create research and evaluation studies promoting the proper use of statistical methodology and correct inference of statistical findings, and assess needs for methods development by refining current approaches, integrating different statistical models, or creating innovative statistical methods.
• Conduct literature searches and critical reviews for first-author, peer-reviewed, scientific publications.
• Summarize literature searches and scientific evidence needed for publications, technical reports, and conference abstract submissions.
• Submit scientific meeting abstracts to relevant industry conferences, symposiums, workshops, panel discussions, and seminars.
• Attend scientific conferences and present novel research results and findings to the academic scientific community.
• Participate in interdisciplinary project teams to provide expert technical and conceptual statistical support as needed.
• Perform other job related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral Degree. Experience may not be substituted in lieu of degree.
• Three years of post doctoral research experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in behavioral sciences, public health, social sciences, exercise physiology or related field
• Experience working with complex human behavior data