Biostatistician – Data Science, Computation and Modelling Unit (DSCMU)

• Blantyre


• Contract (Full-Time)


• Closing Date: 17/08/2026

Job Description

The Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme (MLW) is a leading international centre for research and training. Funded by the Wellcome Trust, MLW collaborates with key partners including Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KuHeS), Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), and the University of Liverpool (UoL). MLW is dedicated to fostering research and training initiatives led by Malawian and international scientists, aiming to enhance the health of people in Malawi and the wider region. Our vision is to be an African beacon of excellence in impactful research that drives global innovation, policy, and practice. Our mission is to conduct high-quality research and train the next generation of researchers and leaders for the benefit of global health.

Job Purpose:

This role offers a significant opportunity to provide statistical support to various research groups within the Data Science, Computation and Modelling Unit (DSCMU). Reporting to the Head of DSCMU, the position focuses on delivering statistical expertise and training for MLW research projects, contributing to the unit's applied statistical research, and enhancing MLW's engagement with the Malawian statistical community. This role supports the professional development of the post-holder as a biostatistician.

Responsibilities

1. Offer statistical guidance to research teams, including advice on study design, sample size calculations, drafting statistical analysis plans, and performing data analysis and statistical modeling.


2. Conduct training sessions, workshops, and tutorials on statistical design, methods, and software for staff at MLW and Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS).


3. Contribute to the DSCMU’s applied statistical research agenda and actively participate in or lead research grant applications, including personal fellowships.


4. Collaborate effectively with MLW researchers, the Clinical Research Support Unit, data management staff, laboratory personnel, and operational departments.


5. Present research findings at national and international seminars, meetings, and conferences.


6. Develop academic leadership through the supervision of MSc students at UNIMA or KUHeS, or interns at MLW, aligning with research interests.


7. Represent the Head of Unit at institutional strategic meetings, such as monthly heads of department meetings, when required.


8. Maintain detailed records of projects and time spent, for accurate recharge invoicing and audit trails.


9. Assist with DSCMU administrative duties, including processing requisitions and approving purchase orders, and liaising with the facilities team.

Requirements

• Hold a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Statistics, Biostatistics, Medical Statistics, or a related field.


• Possess at least 2 years of experience applying and/or researching statistical methods.


• Have a minimum of 2 years of experience in data analysis and/or management.


• Professional experience working with biomedical data, such as clinical trials or epidemiological studies.


• Experience in a health-related research environment.


• Essential competency in using R for statistical computing; experience with other statistical software (e.g., Stata, SAS) is a plus. Experience with high-performance computing systems is highly desirable.

Remuneration and Benefits

MLW offers a competitive remuneration package tailored to the responsibilities of each position. Benefits include a medical aid scheme, 24-hour insurance coverage, a pension scheme, and an annual gratuity payment. Additionally, employees have access to professional development opportunities, including training programs and scholarships, subject to performance and eligibility.

Application Deadline: 17th August, 2026.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae (CV), copies of relevant certificates, and contact details for three traceable referees (including at least two professional referees) to vacancies@mlw.mw.

All documents must be compiled into a single PDF file, named using the format: Firstname_Surname_RoleApplied. The email subject line should clearly state: Biostatistician.

MLW is committed to safeguarding and protecting communities, research participants, and patients. Successful candidates will undergo a safeguarding check prior to appointment and periodically throughout their employment.

ONLY SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED.