Consultant – Senior Cancer Data Analyst

Other Information

The Partnership is seeking a qualified consulting resource to analyze record-level linked data of the Canadian Cancer Registry (CCR), Discharge Abstract Database (DAD) and National Ambulatory Care Reporting System (NACRS) to describe diagnostic and treatment care pathways in cancer patients across jurisdictions and to correlate variation in treatment pathways to variation in survival. The consulting contract is for 1 year. The individual will spend a significant portion of time working at the Toronto Research Data Centre (RDC) and should have knowledge of cancer surveillance measures and extensive experience in analyzing record-level health data.

This work is done in collaboration with the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP) which its objective is to deliver evidence to guide cancer policy and practice in countries across the partnership. Findings from the ICBP have informed cancer control plans, helped to design public awareness and improve diagnostic pathways across several jurisdictions, with the real potential for improving outcomes for cancer patients. This analysis will support ICBP phase 2 – module 9 which will measure variation in patient pathways exists between jurisdictions and provide insight into factors that drive interprovincial variations in cancer survival.

Duties and responsibilities

Reporting to Manager & Biostatistician, Analytics, this resource will work closely with the Lead Cancer Analyst to analyze record-level linked data of the Canadian Cancer Registry (CCR), Discharge Abstract Database (DAD) and National Ambulatory Care Reporting System (NACRS). The individual will spend a significant portion of time working at the Toronto Research Data Centre (RDC) and should have knowledge of cancer surveillance measures and extensive experience in analyzing record-level health data. The consultant will also support other performance measurement work such as, but not limited to analyzing data in the Canadian Breast Canadian Breast Cancer Screening Database (CBCSD) and other linked datasets to the Canadian Cancer Registry in the Social Data Linkage Environment (SDLE).

Essential skills and attributes

• Experience working with record-level health data such as the Canadian Cancer Registry (CCR), Discharge Abstract Database (DAD) and National Ambulatory Care Reporting System (NACRS)
• Proficient in SAS and R
• Demonstrated knowledge working with Canadian health data and conducting analyses on measures used in cancer surveillance (e.g. incidence, mortality, prevalence, net survival)
• Ability to work independently at the Research Data Centre (RDC) with minimal supervision
• Excellent skills in communicating complex/technical concepts to non-technical audiences
• Knowledge of data linkage and familiarity with the cancer data landscape
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to understand complex problems, identify key issues, provide solutions and present results in a clear and concise format
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive working relationships with key internal program areas and external stakeholders
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills; verbal and written.
• Exceptional attentions to detail and quality assurance

Experience and education

• Masters in biostatistics, epidemiology or related field
• Proven experience working with record-level health data conducting analyses and providing interpretation of results. Experience working with the Canadian Cancer Registry (CCR), Discharge Abstract Database (DAD) and National Ambulatory Care Reporting System (NACRS) is a strong asset
• Experience conducting complex analysis (e.g. multiple linear and logistic regression) and providing technical guidance and direction on methodology
• Knowledge of concepts and experience calculating and interpreting measures used in cancer
  surveillance (e.g. incidence, mortality, prevalence, net survival)
• Experience working with a broad range of health care databases at organizational, provincial and national levels
• Experience working in a Research Data Centre is an asset
• Experience writing journal articles and/or content in published reports and developing and delivering presentations on results and implications is an asset

Selection of candidate

All applicants will be evaluated against the requirements outlined in the “Essential skills and attributes” and the “Experience and Education” sections to determine who should be invited to an interview. Candidates that are best aligned to these requirements will be invited in for an interview and then assessed according to the criteria’s outlined below.

Interview – 70% Weighting
Availability – 10% Weighting
Price – 20% Weighting