Senior Research Consultant/Statistician: Office of Innovative Technologies - UTK

About the job

The University of Tennessee's Office of Innovative Technologies is seeking a Senior Research Consultant to lead the design, execution, and analysis of research projects in support of faculty and graduate researchers across campus. This senior-level, highly independent role spans the full research lifecycle from developing research questions and experimental designs, determining appropriate statistical/machine learning methods and calculating sample sizes, to conducting data analysis, interpreting results, and co-authoring and, where appropriate, leading or serving as senior author on manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals. The position also partners with investigators to lead the development of grant proposals, including research design and analysis plans, including power and sample size calculations. The position also solves complex computing problems by selecting and configuring appropriate software and hardware, writing and debugging code, mentoring colleagues through workshops and one-on-one consultations on advanced statistical and computing methods, and managing university research software licensing.

The ideal candidate holds a master's degree (Ph.D. preferred) and seven or more years of experience as a statistician, data scientist, or research analyst, with a record of peer-reviewed publications. The candidate will also possess strong programming and analytical skills across tools such as R, Python, SAS, SPSS, Stata, MATLAB, ArcGIS and JMP along with deep knowledge of statistical methodology, data visualization, and the mathematical foundations underlying advanced analytic techniques. This role carries significant influence over departmental research strategy and direction, serves as backup for the manager when needed, requires occasional overnight travel, and operates with a high degree of autonomy, consulting with a supervisor primarily on priorities and complex or high-impact matters.

Responsibilities

This position will be responsible for assisting researchers with experimental design, sampling and data collection methods, and sample size determination; managing and restructuring research data, including identifying and correcting data errors; and performing statistical analysis, machine learning, including creating data visualizations and graphics to communicate results according to journal standards. The role also involves writing and editing methods and results sections of manuscripts, grant proposals, and client documentation on statistical computing, including defending analytic approaches to journal reviewers; and helping clients select appropriate computer software and hardware to solve their research problems. The position leads the development of the methods and analysis components of grant proposals and may serve as lead statistician on funded research projects.

In addition, the position develops and teaches workshops and one-on-one tutorials on research computing and statistical methods, acts as a subject matter expert in statistics and computing topics for diverse clientele across campus, and manages university software site licenses, including installation, testing, and documentation. The position also takes an active role mentoring and critiquing the work of students and colleagues, providing guidance on complex statistical and computing problems, and contributes to departmental budgetary, research funding, and compliance discussions.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• A Master's degree in Statistics, Biostatistics, Data Science, or a related field,

• Seven (7) years of experience applying statistics is required; Years in graduate school may substitute for experience, but only if extensive statistical consulting was conducted during that time.

• A track record of publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals is required.

• Excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills required.

• The ability to work independently and prioritize assignments with minimal supervision is required

• Expertise in at least three of: R, Python, SAS, SPSS, Stata, MATLAB, ArcGIS and JMP is required

• Deep knowledge of the statistical and machine learning methods appropriate for peer-reviewed publications is required.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Ph.D. and five (5) years of experience is preferred.

• PStat® accreditation desired.

• Expertise in all of: R, Python, SAS, SPSS, Stata, MATLAB, ArcGIS and JMP is desired.

• Proven experience in linear mixed models, categorical data analysis, generalized linear models, and related power analysis is desired.

• Experience applying Machine Learning, Bioinformatics inference, and/or Bayesian Statistics in an academic setting is desired.

• Ability to provide expert level guidance on best practices in statistics is desired.

• Proven experience mentoring graduate assistants and other staff members is desired.

• Experience developing and teaching workshops or one-on-one tutorials on research computing and statistical methods is desired.

• Experience managing software license agreements, including coordinating with procurement and serving as the point of contact with software vendors for quotes, invoices, and renewals, is desired.

• Ability to research, learn, and independently apply new software, hardware, and emerging analytic technologies is desired.

• Experience consulting with diverse clientele across multiple departments or disciplines is desired.

• Experience providing input to leadership on operational decisions, such as budget, software and service options, or compliance, is desired.

• A record of contributing to funded grant proposals is desired.

Work Location:

• Location: This is a remote position

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR 13

• Anticipated hiring range:  $95,000 – $105,000

• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• Curriculum Vitae or comprehensive list of academic publications

About The Department

The Office of Innovative Technologies' Research Computing Support (RCS) team provides one-on-one consultations in statistical analysis, machine learning, qualitative analytics, and geographic information systems (GIS) to UT Knoxville faculty, staff, and student researchers. Services include experimental design and sample size determination, biostatistics support for clinical trials and observational studies, web survey design and analysis, and manuscript co-authorship, with RCS statisticians having co-authored over 350 manuscripts, helping write or edit methods and results sections and respond to reviewer comments. The team also provides access to and support for research software such as ArcGIS, MATLAB, NVivo, Python, Qualtrics, SAS, SPSS, Stata, and R.

About Us

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

Additional Information

• Job Identification: 10587
• Job Category: Research
• Posting Date: 2026-10-29
• Job Schedule: Full time
• Locations: 2309 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US (Remote)