Data Scientist - Oncology

Company: Institute for Medical Research
Location: Durham
Posted on: May 16, 2022

Job Description:

Institute for Medical Research at the Durham VA Health Care SystemDATA SCIENTIST - ONCOLOGYPI: DR. RHONDA BITTINGThe Institute for Medical Research (IMR), an affiliate of the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS), is looking for a Data Scientist.The successful candidate will work with the genitourinary oncology team, led by Dr. Rhonda Bitting who directs the Durham VA Prostate Cancer Center of Excellence. The team primarily performs prostate cancer research and is supported by the Prostate Cancer Foundation, federal grants, and industry sponsors. The candidate will be part of a productive and dynamic team of researchers. The Data Scientist s primary role will be to manage and analyze large amounts of clinical data, utilizing descriptive and multivariate statistical techniques as well as database analysis tools in the setting of clinical research. The data scientist will work hard at advancing the state-of-the-art in data applications to solve problems in our field. Applicants must have the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, to prioritize and manage the workflow of multiple projects, and to communicate effectively with other team members. This could be a fully remote role if desired. IMR employees must reside in the state of North Carolina.Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategy & Planning
  • Work with research team to define metrics, guidelines, and strategies for effective use of algorithms and data
    • Work closely with researchers to identify, design, and build appropriate datasets for clinical research
      • Create predictive models, data mining and analytics architectures, coding standards, reporting, and data analysis methodologies
        • Establish links across existing data sources and find new, interesting mash-ups
          • Coordinate data resource requirements between analytics team and research teams
            • Develop best practices for models, analytics and experimentation sandboxes
              • Acquisition & Deployment
                • Conduct research and make recommendations on data infrastructure, database technologies, analytics tools, services, protocols, and standards
                  • Drive the collection of new data and the refinement of existing data sources
                    • Access VA databases, repositories, and charts to extract relevant data and transfer to relational databases
                      • Evaluate data efficacy and think critically about the data
                        • Facilitate manipulation of data between different formats (excel, csv, etc.)
                          • Operational Management
                            • Develop algorithms and predictive models to answer research questions
                              • Develop tools that will help team members more efficiently interface with huge amounts of data
                                • Analyze large, noisy datasets and identify meaningful patterns that provide actionable results
                                  • Develop and automate new enhanced imputation algorithms
                                    • Create informative visualizations that intuitively display large amounts of data and/or complex relationships
                                      • Provide and apply quality assurance best practices for data science services
                                        • Collaborate with Team Members
                                          • Communicate with VA technology departments to address/resolve IT needs and problems
                                            • Coordinate with research coordinators to ensure all procedures adhere to HIPAA and IRB compliance
                                              • Participate in team meetings on a frequent and regular schedule
                                                • Create knowledge sharing presentationsRequired Skills and Experience:
                                                  • Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or other relevant field
                                                    • Minimum 2 years experience as a data analyst, database programmer, or other relevant work that aligns with the qualifications of this job
                                                      • Experience solving analytical problems using quantitative approaches.
                                                        • Comfort manipulating and analyzing complex, high-volume, high-dimensionality data from varying sources
                                                          • Knowledge of statistical analysis tools and database theory and design
                                                            • Familiarity with Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, and SQL
                                                              • Understanding of software version control concepts and tools
                                                                • Well-developed oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey complex technical information accurately to both technical and non-technical audiences
                                                                  • Organizational skills with ability to manage multiple work assignments and adjust schedules based on changing requirements, priorities, and deadlines
                                                                    • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team; exhibiting a spirit of cooperation, teamwork, resource sharing, and mutual respect
                                                                      • Ability to solve problems, troubleshoot, and independently learn new skillsPhysical Requirements: The physical requirements and activities that are required to perform the essential functions of the position include, but may not be limited to, as follows: Must be able to occasionally lift, pull and push a minimum of 10 lbs, stand for extended periods of time, sit for extended periods of time, squat, kneel, and stoop, regularly use fingers, hands for computer work.Supervisory Controls: The position of Data Scientist is under the direct supervisor of the Principal Investigator.The prior statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.Salary Range or Rate of Pay: $91,300 - $115,000 Salary will be commensurate with abilities and experience.Employee Benefits: IMR offers a competitive benefits package which includes health insurance, a matching 403b retirement savings plan, and paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave. Please visit www.imr.org for information about employee benefits.All IMR employees are required to obtain a Workers Without Compensation (WOC) appointment at the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS). As a result, the successful candidate must undergo a federal background check and may be subject to a drug test. Participation in the vaccination programs may be required for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Workers Without Compensation (WOC) appointments. We will not sponsor applicants for work visas.Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled persons and Veterans.Click here to apply to this position and others directly on the Institute for Medical Research Careers Page!

Keywords: Institute for Medical Research, Durham , Data Scientist - Oncology, Healthcare , Durham, North Carolina