Biostatistics Associate (Volunteer)

Type: Volunteer, Part-Time
Location: Remote (Nigeria-based preferred; applicants elsewhere are welcome)

About LunaVax Institute Nigeria
LunaVax Institute Nigeria is a research and implementation organization advancing vaccine access through research, innovation and implementation science. We focus on addressing measles and rubella immunization gaps, particularly among zero-dose children and communities that are difficult to reach, while generating evidence to inform the adoption of new vaccine delivery tools in Nigeria.

Our Current Work
We are preparing a Phase III effectiveness-implementation study comparing a needle-free measles-rubella microarray patch with standard injection in infants and toddlers across four Nigerian states, including facility and outreach settings. A preparatory pilot is planned before the main study.

Alongside this work, we are developing a portfolio of analyses and implementation research to strengthen the evidence base for vaccine delivery in Nigeria. You will contribute analyses to selected projects, based on research priorities and your skills:

• Zero-dose and measles-rubella coverage analysis: a planned descriptive study of zero-dose burden, measles-rubella coverage and current delivery patterns across Lagos, FCT, Adamawa and Anambra, using national survey and routine health data (NDHS, MICS, DHIS2), intended for publication
• Phase III trial design and analysis: sample size and power calculations, randomization, non-inferiority analysis of immune response, and the statistical analysis plan for the planned trial
• Implementation outcomes: measuring acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, reach and adoption using established implementation science frameworks (Proctor’s implementation outcomes, RE-AIM, PRISM) and validated scales
• MAP Implementation Readiness Framework (MIRF): our framework for assessing whether health facilities are ready to deliver microarray patches, including the validation of a composite readiness index and a user guide for applying it
• Biometric verification: exploring the performance of biometric tools for confirming vaccination records and child identity across visits
• Exploratory studies: early-stage concepts on factors that may influence vaccine response and on linking vaccination records across vaccines

The Role
We are seeking a Biostatistics Associate to support statistical analyses across our research portfolio. Working closely with our Vaccine Research & Biostatistics Fellow, you will contribute to analyses that inform study design, publications and funding applications.

This is an opportunity to gain practical experience in vaccine research, from health-data analysis and trial planning to implementation research and scientific writing.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Vaccine Research & Biostatistics Fellow with statistical analyses across our research portfolio
• Clean, manage and analyse national survey and routine health data, including NDHS, MICS and DHIS2 datasets
• Review data quality, missingness and analytical assumptions before conducting analyses
• Support descriptive and inferential analyses for the zero-dose and measles-rubella coverage study, including accounting for complex survey designs
• Assist with sample size calculations, power analyses and statistical analysis plans for the pilot and planned Phase III study
• Support analysis of implementation outcomes and the MIRF readiness index, including the scoring, reliability and validation methods for the MIRF user guide
• Produce clear tables, figures and maps, and communicate findings to support research decisions, manuscripts, reports and funding applications
• Maintain reproducible analytical records, including code, documentation and version control where applicable
• Contribute to literature reviews and the methods and results sections of manuscripts
• Participate in team meetings and research discussions as needed

Requirements

• A degree in statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, data science or public health with a strong quantitative focus (completed or in progress, including postgraduate students)
• Working proficiency in at least one statistical package, such as R, Stata, SAS, SPSS or Python, with the ability to write, interpret or adapt analytical code or syntax
• A solid understanding of descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing and regression
• Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking and the ability to work independently
• Clear written communication and the ability to present findings in an understandable way
• Ability to commit around 5 to 8 hours per week for at least six months
• Commitment to confidentiality, responsible data handling and reproducible research practices

Desirable Experience

• Analysing DHS, MICS or other complex survey data with sampling weights
• Working with DHIS2 or other routine health information systems
• Sample size and power calculations, especially for non-inferiority or cluster designs
• Multilevel or mixed-effects models
• Vaccine, immunization, maternal and child health, or clinical trial research
• Implementation science outcomes and frameworks
• GIS or spatial mapping of health data
• Reproducible workflows (R Markdown, Quarto, Git)
• Contributing to peer-reviewed publications

What You'll Gain

• Hands-on experience across the research cycle, from health data analysis and trial planning to implementation research
• Mentorship from our Vaccine Research & Biostatistics Fellow and opportunities to learn from our wider research and advisory network
• Opportunities for co-authorship where contributions meet recognized authorship criteria (ICMJE)
• A portfolio of applied analyses using Nigerian health data
• Collaboration with colleagues working across research, implementation and global health
• A certificate of service and a letter of recommendation on successful completion of your commitment
• A flexible, fully remote role that fits around study or other work commitments

Engagement
This is a volunteer role. The time commitment is around 5 to 8 hours per week, used flexibly, for a minimum of six months. It is fully remote, with meetings scheduled in advance. Work will involve publicly available or de-identified data, and volunteers will sign a confidentiality agreement before starting. As funding is secured, we intend to develop paid roles and will consider contributors to our work, although we cannot guarantee this.

LunaVax Institute Nigeria is an equal opportunity organization. We value diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment for all team members.