Assistant Data Scientist, Epidemiology

The Assistant Data Scientist will function as follows: At MD Anderson, for institutional initiatives, within The department of Epidemiology, and using external sources, individual level clinical and genomic data will be collected and integrated to create datasets that will be utilized to drive translational research and ultimately improve patient outcome.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES Bioinformatics and Computational support Work closely with clinicians and biologists to provide customized bioinformatics/computational support throughout their studies.
Develop, implement, and execute algorithms for exome, genome, and transcriptome NGS and SNP array analyses for detection of genetic variation.
Develop, implement, and execute algorithms for long-read RNA-sequencing datasets for transcript assembly, QTL analysis, and allelic imbalance analyses.
Collaborate with team members, including trainees and collaborating PI's, to support varied computational biology tasks and support innovative computational solutions problems in genetics, genomics and cancer biology.

Extraction and Integration of Data Extract and integrate internal and public genomic and clinical data to produce standardized data sets that can be distributed within MDACC computing environment and used by clinicians and researchers.

Data Analysis and Interpretation of findings Develop software modules to regularly perform standard data analysis routines in an automated fashion and provide visualization tools for clinicians and researchers to explore the results.

Experimental Validation Systematically explore and mine multi-dimensional data to validate experimental findings or formulate hypotheses to provide directions of further studies. Work with bioinformaticians, IT personnel, and other researchers to respond to new technologies.

Review of Mathematical and Computational approaches Identify issues of practical or theoretical importance and drive to solutions through innovative mathematical/computational approaches. Evaluate existing algorithms and develop new algorithms and user friendly tools for modeling genomic variation that can be deployed to MDACC or larger research communities.

Other duties as assigned

COMPETENCIES

Analytical Thinking - Gather relevant information systematically; break down problems into simple components; make sound decisions.

Strategic Thinking - Define strategic goals and issues clearly; apply broad knowledge and experience when addressing strategic issues; foresee obstacles and opportunities relating to change or improvement.

Team with Others - Initiate, develop, and manage relationships and networks; encourage collaboration and input from all team members; value the contributions of all team members; balance individual and team goals.

Technical/Functional Expertise - Demonstrate technical proficiency required to do the job; possess up-to-date knowledge in the profession; provide technical expertise to others.

With Social Intelligence, you understand the importance of creating an environment where yours and others' ideas, experiences, perspectives, contributions, and well-being are valued. (Competencies: Awareness, Humility, Cultural Competence)

With Drive, you see that you can serve as a leader whether you have a formal leadership role or not. You tackle problems, move past setbacks and hardships, and don't lose sight of your goals. (Competencies: Self-Confidence, Analytical Thinking, Innovative Thinking, Technical Expertise)

You demonstrate Professionalism by setting the example for others and consistently modeling MD Anderson's values and service standards. You communicate effectively in a variety of ways. (Competencies: Inspire Trust, Oral Communication, Written Communication)

Through Emotional Intelligence, you maintain awareness of your own emotions and the emotions of those around you. Use nonverbal cues and feelings to engage others in an inclusive and responsive way. (Competencies: Active Listening, Teaming, Self-Reflection)

Having Coachability means you are engaged in relentless learning. You constantly ask questions and stay curious. You understand that the organization constantly evolves, and you should as well. (Competencies: Develop Oneself, Adaptability)

EDUCATION:
Required: Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Computational Biology, or related field.

Preferred: PhD degree in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Computational Biology, or related field.

EXPERIENCE:Required:None. Preferred: Experience in genetic/genomic analyses; develop and execute best practice algorithms for next generation sequencing and genotype array analyses.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

Onsite Presence: Is Not Required