This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience (PREP) program. NIST recognizes that its research staff may wish to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest, thus requires that such institutions must be the recipient of a PREP award. The PREP program requires staff from a wide range of backgrounds to work on scientific research in many areas. Employees in this position will perform technical work that underpins the scientific research of the collaboration.
Research Title: Statistical Metrology to Advance Science and Technology Through Data Visualization, Estimation, and Analysis
The work will entail:
The work will entail collaborative statistical research with NIST scientists, engineers, and statisticians in support of applied metrology for physical science or biological applications of mutual interest to the Associate and to NIST. Programmatic areas of research at NIST include chemistry, materials science, forensics, semiconductor technology, physics, civil engineering, biology, and fire science among a wide range of other application areas. As an example, one potential project involves investigating the feasibility of a roadside cannabis breathalyzer by measuring the amount of THC detectable in breath at two timepoints to distinguish recent cannabis use from habitual use. Work consists of the analysis of pre-use and post-use data at multiple timepoints, starting with extensive exploratory data analysis to understand measurement variability and distinguish pre-use from post-use data.
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
Exploration of data including descriptive statistics and graphical displays
Statistical modeling or analysis of data in support of collaborative research goals
Estimating the variation in time series measurements gathered at multiple time points
Explaining complex statistical concepts to non-statisticians
Qualifications
Researcher with an M.S. in statistics or a related area of academic study
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Experience with statistical graphics, modeling, analysis, and computing (e.g., R)
The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.